A 42-year old man has been arrested by the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit on Sunday 19 July 2026 in connection with the rape of a six-year-old girl in the Ritavi area outside Tzaneen.
Limpopo Police Spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba said that on 18 July 2026, at about 20:30, the minor was in the company of another child at a family gathering near their home when a known male neighbour asked them to accompany him to his residence to collect a jacket.
When the other child returned alone, family members went to check on the minor and found her partially undressed at the suspect’s home.
The child informed the family about the alleged rape incident.
The family immediately reported the matter to police and the suspect was arrested afterwards.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for medical examination.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 21 July 2026.
Limpopo Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers has strongly condemned the incident.
He further applauded communities for being vigilant and acting swiftly by reporting the suspect to the police .
” I call upon the parents or guardians to at all times , ensure that they do not lose sight of the young ones ” he said.
