Grandfather, 63, arrested for allegedly raping minor aged 12 years

A 63-year-old grandfather, who is initially accused of raping a minor for several times until it was discovered by the grandmother of the victim has been charged with statutory rape.

Police said the man, from Hennenman, was arrested yesterday after the 12-year-old child finally gathered strength to inform her grandmother about her ordeal as the grandmother was skeptical of the grandchild’s recent behaviour.

“The girl was raped several times by the suspect which led to the victim confessing the rape ordeal,” says Lejweleputswa district police spokesperson captain Stephen Thakeng.

According to the police, the victim alleged that she was from school with her friend when her friend suggested that they go to the suspect’s place.

“He was with his children and the two girls spend the afternoon there. The girls made it a habit that after school, they will visit the home of the elderly man.

“Until when they were there visiting, the friend of the victim said she was going to the toilet but she never returned.

“Then the old man requested to sleep with her but she refused and tried to escape from the house but he caught her and forced her to undress and raped her,” says Thakeng.

It is alleged that the suspect threatened a minor to not tell anyone.

“This happened several times when she came to visit after school and she was given R2s and R5s to buy sweets after the rapes ordeals.

“Then the grandmother saw that there was something wrong with the girl and she ultimately confessed that the old man has raped her several times,” Thakeng says the rape ordeal has been happening since last year in August.

A concerned grandmother then went to the police with the victim to report the matter, where a case of rape was opened.

The suspect will appear before the Hennenman Regional Court on Monday, September 12.