MAN IN COURT FOR ALLEGEDLY RAPING 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL 

Rustenburg – In a disturbing incident that has shocked the local community, a 39-year-old man is set to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, charged with the rape of a 9-year-old girl with disabilities. The arrest followed an alleged sexual assault reported to have occurred on Sunday 7 April 2024, in Freedom Park.

According to the Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, the accused was with a family when they travelled to Freedom Park for a meeting. After the meeting, the young girl’s parents left her in the car with the family friend while they went to a nearby shop. 

Colonel Adéle Myburgh reports, upon their return, they reportedly discovered the accused assaulting their child in the vehicle. The father intervened to stop the attack, and the mother’s cries for help attracted the attention of nearby community members who detained the accused until police arrived.
The police swiftly arrested the man, who was later handed over to the authorities in Phokeng. He has been remanded in custody after his first court appearance on 11 April. 

Lieutenant general Sello Kwena, the provincial police commissioner, expressed his approval of the swift arrest, emphasising the importance of the legal process in addressing such serious allegations. The community remains in shock, with local leaders and advocacy groups calling for increased awareness and stronger measures to protect vulnerable individuals.