54‑year‑old arrested for allegedly abducting and raping nine‑year‑old girl in Mavambe

A 54‑year‑old man has been arrested after allegedly abducting and raping a nine‑year‑old girl in Mavambe village, Limpopo. Police say the arrest followed a swift tracing operation by the Malamulele Detectives Unit.

What happened

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident took place on Thursday, 17 September at about 3pm. The girl was walking from a spaza shop with a friend when they encountered a known male suspect.

Ledwaba said the suspect “forcefully took the victim to his place of residence and unexpectedly raped her.” After the alleged assault, the victim was released and allegedly told not to tell anyone about the incident.

How the case came to light

The matter emerged later the same day at about 7pm when the victim’s mother was informed by her four‑year‑old son about the alleged rape. The mother then approached her daughter, who confirmed the allegations, and a case of rape was opened at the local police station.

Arrest and court appearance

Ledwaba said police activated a “massive manhunt for the known male suspect.” He was arrested the next day, on Friday, 18 September, at his residence in Mavambe village following a tracing operation by the Malamulele Detectives Unit.

The 54‑year‑old suspect is expected to appear before the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 September, facing a charge of rape. Police investigations are continuing.

Related note from authorities

The source article also reports that police discovered the body of a woman in her twenties wrapped in a duvet and dumped in a Moroka dam in Soweto. Authorities say links between recent female deaths remain unconfirmed and have appealed for community tip‑offs via Crime Stop (08600 10111) or the MySAPSApp.