News24 | Scholar transport driver arrested for rape of 3-year-old child

A 66-year-old scholar transport driver has been charged with the rape of a 3-year-old child.

• A 66-year-old man has been charged with the rape of a 3-year-old child.
• The man is a scholar transport driver and the husband of a crèche owner.
• The child was dropped off late after school on Friday, after which it was established that she had been raped.

A 66-year-old scholar transport driver has been charged with the rape of a 3-year-old child.

According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the man was arrested on Monday and appeared in the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Wednesday.

He cannot be named until he has pleaded.

Ledwaba said preliminary investigations revealed that the man, who is the husband of a crèche owner and responsible for transporting children, brought the child home late on the day in question.

“The guardian later noticed that the child appeared restless,” Ledwaba said.

“Subsequently, the victim began complaining of pain. The guardian immediately took her to a medical facility, where it was confirmed that the child had been raped.”

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A case of rape was initially reported at Botlokwa SAPS and was subsequently transferred to the Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for further investigation and handling.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said: “I commend the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for their swift and professional response in apprehending the suspect. We will ensure a thorough investigation, the perpetrator is held accountable, and the victim is supported and protected at every step. Only through a relentless pursuit of justice can we begin to heal the scars of violence and ensure that no child ever faces such suffering again.”

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Transport and Community Safety MEC Violet Mathye urged communities to ensure that those entrusted with the care and transportation of children undergo thorough background checks and are continuously monitored.

The man is in custody until Wednesday, when he is expected to apply for bail.