“The harrowing truth came to light three days later when the grandmother was deeply shocked to find the child watching a distressing video on a cellphone depicting her own rape by an unknown perpetrator.” File picture
A LIMPOPO grandmother uncovered the rape of her 11-year-old granddaughter, which was recorded on her cellphone while she was at church.
The police said a manhunt was launched for the suspect following the rape of the girl that took place on February 25 at around 8pm in the Mopani District.
According to police reports, the victim had attended a church service with her grandmother but returned home earlier in the day without her grandmother.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said when the grandmother returned in the afternoon, she found that the child was not at home.
“The harrowing truth came to light three days later when the grandmother was deeply shocked to find the child watching a distressing video on a cellphone depicting her own rape by an unknown perpetrator,” said Ledwaba.
“It was then that the victim disclosed to her grandmother that she had been raped while asleep at home on the day she returned from church.”
The incident was promptly reported to the police and a case of rape was opened.
“Preliminary investigations have uncovered that the video capturing the heinous act was recorded using the grandmother's phone.
“The circumstances surrounding the recording remain unclear, prompting ongoing inquiries into the matter.”
The provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incident.
The police have appealed to anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Maropeng Mashapa, on 083 503 9325 or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or nearest police station or make use of the MySAPS app.