Teen to appear in Children’s Court after alleged rape, pregnancy of 13‑year‑old relative in Limpopo

A 14‑year‑old boy is set to appear in the Children’s Court in Waterval, Vhembe District, Limpopo, on Thursday 9 July 2026 after a 13‑year‑old relative who lived in the same home was allegedly raped and later found to be pregnant, police said.

How the case came to light

Police said the matter emerged after the child’s grandmother, with whom the 13‑year‑old had been staying at Nwa‑Xinyamani Village, contacted the child’s mother in March 2026 and asked her to collect her daughter, citing behavioural concerns. The mother later became worried that her daughter might be pregnant and took her for a medical examination on 7 May 2026, which confirmed the child was five months pregnant.

Allegations and timeline

According to the police, when questioned the child disclosed that a relative who lived with her had impregnated her. She said the abuse began around February 2026, during the night, when the relative undressed her while she slept. She told her mother she had tried to resist but was overpowered and warned not to make a noise.

Police added that the child reported the assaults occurred on a number of occasions in the following months, all taking place at night.

Investigations and legal process

The Makhado Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Polokwane is investigating the matter. Police said the case has been transferred to the Makhado FCS Unit for further investigation.

As the alleged offender is himself a minor, police said he will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Child Justice Act, 75 of 2008.

Official response

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers condemned the incident and appealed to families and communities to watch for warning signs of abuse and to report them immediately, saying “Silence protects the abuser, not the child.”

Investigations are continuing.