Limpopo police have launched a manhunt for a suspect who allegedly raped an 11-year-old child on two occasions in Vhulaudzi area in the Vhembe district. The suspect has since gone into hiding.
Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said they are seeking information that can assist to arrest the suspect who, on two occasions during February and March 2021, allegedly raped the girl in his house.
"The suspect, on both occasions, allegedly called the child and sent her to the nearby shop and upon her return, he reportedly ordered her into his house and raped her. The rape was only discovered by the mother last month," he said.
Mojapelo added that when the alleged rape was subsequently reported, the police immediately commenced with investigations and the case was transferred to the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS) for further handling.
"Preliminary information that was acquired soon pointed to a neighbour who is also said to be a foreign national. Follow up probes could not yield any positive results as he has apparently disappeared from the area," he said.
Provincial police commissioner Lieut-Gen Nneke Ledwaba has appealed to community members in the area to assist the police in locating the suspect and bringing him to book.
The police are calling on someone called Belamine or Eshrom to avail himself to the nearest police station as it is believed he might be able to assist in ongoing investigations.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the investigating officer Sergeant Mashudu Lusunzi on 079 891 1199 or the Crime stop number 0860010111.
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