A 35-year-old school transport driver is due to appear in the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo after being arrested for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl.
Limpopo school driver expected in court for rape
The incident reportedly occurred multiple times between January and March 2025 in Mafefe village, which is situated outside Lebowakgomo in the Capricorn district.
According to police, the suspect allegedly committed the assaults inside the vehicle he used to transport children to and from school. After dropping off the other children, he would allegedly stay behind with the young girl and rape her before taking her home.
Police say the suspect then threatened the child, warning her not to speak to anyone about what had happened. However, during the Easter weekend, the five-year-old broke her silence and disclosed the abuse to her grandmother.
Following this disclosure, a case of rape was opened and immediately transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for investigation. The suspect was arrested on Thursday afternoon and is now in custody pending his court appearance.
Meanwhile, in a separate high-profile rape case involving seven-year-old “Cwecwe,” police investigations are ongoing, but progress remains slow. Despite initial forensic tests, authorities confirmed that no foreign DNA was found on the victim.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said standard DNA testing was carried out, but results did not provide any leads.
“No foreign DNA could be found on the victim,” he confirmed.
However, three individuals have been identified as people of interest—not suspects—and their DNA samples are being analysed. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola clarified that these individuals are not formally accused but are being reviewed as part of the investigation process.
“Their DNA will be analysed to determine if there’s anything useful to aid the case,” Masemola said.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to prosecute due to lack of evidence, leaving the case in a standstill. However, with the investigation now in the hands of a specialised unit, police say every effort is being made to ensure justice is served.