Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
South African police have arrested a 36-year-old man for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl who was attending a traditional initiation school to become a Sangoma in Limpopo province.
In a statement on Tuesday, Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malasela Ledwaba said the incident occurred in May last year at a homestead in Khopo village under Ritavi policing precinct, Mopani District.
He said the minor was in her allocated hut at the initiation school when a man who had visited the homestead allegedly raped her.
“The victim was reportedly afraid to report the incident while at the school. She disclosed it to her mother only after returning home on October 20, 226. Her 38-year-old mother then reported the matter to police,” said Col Ledwaba.
“Police in Ritavi opened a rape case and launched a manhunt for the known suspect. He was arrested on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Khujwana village.
“The suspect appeared before the Ritavi Magistrate Court on Friday, October 23, 2026, facing a charge of rape. He was remanded in custody, and the case was postponed to Thursday, October 29, 2026, for a formal bail application and further investigations.”
The case has raised concern in communities along the Limpopo border where many families still send children to traditional initiation schools.
