THE SAPS in the Free State has commended the bravery of a 12-year-old pupil who reported her rape to the police, two months after it happened.
The police said that the 12-year-old pupil was walking home from school when she was lured by the suspect and raped. Two months after the incident, the girl reported it to the police and the suspect was arrested.
"The child was commended for being brave and breaking the silence to report the rape, especially during 16 Days of Activism," SAPS spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said.
“During October 2022, at about 2.45pm, while walking home from school, the girl was instructed by a man, known to her, to come inside his shack. She was then forcefully undressed and raped,” said Thakeng.
“She was threatened not to tell anyone about the rape ordeal. The child kept quiet for two months until she broke the silence on December 10, when she reported it to a relative.”
Members of the Brandfort SAPS were summoned to the scene and the victim pointed out a 35-year-old man, who was arrested and is facing a charge of raping a minor.
The suspect is due to appear in the Brandfort Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The district commissioner of Lejweleputswa, Major-General Lerato Molale, praised the girl for breaking her silence and reporting what happened, despite being threatened. He further encouraged others to do the same.