Grade R Learner Allegedly Raped By Scholar Transport Driver At Thlabine

It has been reported that a Grade R learner from Mogoboya Primary School, in Thlabine village, outside Tzaneen, was allegedly raped by a scholar transport driver on the way back from school.

The incident is said to have happened on Monday, April 08.

According to the victim’s aunt who cannot be mentioned to protect the victim’s identity, the suspect is well known in the community, hence, he was entrusted with the duty of transporting young children in his van to and from school on a daily.

It is said that on the day, the victim came back from school and went to sleep complaining of pain in her pubic area. Her worried mother probed the victim and she pointed out that the pain was caused by “malome”, as the suspect is affectionately known, because he penetrated her.

“Suspicion rose when my niece complained of pain in her pubic area. We knew that something was amiss. We then decided to take her to the clinic. From there an ambulance transported us to Dr CN Phatudi Hospital where my niece was inspected. To our dismay, the doctors confirmed the child had been sexually violated”, said the aunt.

The victim’s father confronted the suspect about the incident out of rage and he vehemently denied ever touching the victim inappropriately.

A case was subsequently opened at Maake police station.

The police station’s spokesperson could not be reached to comment on the incident, however, the suspect has been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.

Source: Tzaneen Voice