Father’s cellphone check leads to statutory rape arrests in Limpopo

Two men were arrested in Limpopo after a 14-year-old girl’s father discovered evidence on her cellphone suggesting she had sexual relationships with adults. The arrests were made on Wednesday, June 10, and the suspects are expected to appear in the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court on Friday, June 12.

How the case came to light

Police said the matter was reported by the child’s father after he became concerned when he noticed an unknown male regularly dropping his daughter off at home. Upon further inquiry and examination of information on the victim’s cellphone, the father allegedly found communications indicating the minor had been involved in sexual relationships with three adult males.

Police action and medical examination

The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit carried out the arrests. The child was taken to hospital for a medical examination after the matter was reported to police.

Investigation and court process

Police said the investigation led to the arrest of two suspects, with efforts underway to trace and apprehend the third suspect. The two arrested men face charges of statutory rape and are due in the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court on Friday, June 12.

Police comment

“According to information available at this stage, the victim’s father became concerned after noticing that his daughter was regularly being dropped off at home by an unknown male. Upon further inquiry and examination of information on the victim’s cellphone, he allegedly discovered communications suggesting that the minor had been involved in sexual relationships with three adult males,”

Provincial police reaction

The Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the investigating team.

“Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society and deserve protection from all forms of abuse. We remain resolute in our efforts to ensure that perpetrators of crimes against children are arrested,”

All factual details in this report are drawn from the police statement released in connection with the investigation.