LIMPOPO – Police in Malamulele have arrested a 54-year-old male suspect for the alleged rape of a 9-year-old girl in Mavambe village. The apprehension follows a targeted tracing operation by local authorities after the minor disclosed the assault to her family.
According to official police reports, the incident occurred on Thursday, 17 September 2026, at approximately 15:00. The young victim was walking from a local spaza shop with a friend when they encountered the suspect, who was known to them. The man allegedly forced the child to his residence, where the sexual assault took place. Following the attack, the suspect released the minor and explicitly instructed her not to disclose the incident to anyone.
The crime was brought to light later that evening at around 19:00. The victim’s mother was alerted to the situation by her four-year-old son, who had learned of the alleged assault. Upon immediate questioning, the mother’s daughter confirmed the allegations, prompting the family to contact law enforcement.
A formal case of rape was promptly registered at the local police station. In response, the Malamulele Detectives Unit launched a massive manhunt for the known suspect. The intensive tracing operation culminated in the suspect’s arrest on Friday, 18 September 2026, at his residence in Mavambe village.
A spokesperson for the Malamulele Police confirmed that the 54-year-old man is scheduled to appear before the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 September 2026, to face formal charges of rape. Authorities have stated that police investigations into the matter remain ongoing.
