The man was allegedly waiting for the girl as she left the women's restroom in the mall.
Image: Piqsels
A 54-year-old man is scheduled to appear in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Wednesday, May 6, following his arrest for the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl. The suspect, who is the father of the victim’s friend, was apprehended after the incident was reported to local authorities earlier this week.
The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed the incident took place on Thursday, April 30, at approximately 3 pm.
“According to information received, the victim was at the mall in the company of her friend and her friend's father,” Ledwaba said.
He stated that the girl went to the local mall’s restroom and found her friend’s father waiting for her at the exit door. The man then forcibly took her into the male restroom and raped her.
“He threatened her not to report the incident,” Ledwaba said.
The matter was reported to the police on Monday, May 4, after the teenager informed her mother about what transpired at the mall.
“A case was immediately opened, and the suspect was subsequently arrested,” Ledwaba said.
This case follows a series of high-profile reports concerning safety in public spaces.
Authorities continue to urge victims of sexual assault to report incidents immediately to their nearest police station or via the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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