By Theodorah waga Mawasha
NKOWANKOWA – A 56-year-old community patroller from Nkowankowa has been arrested for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl and offering her R30 to silence her.
The shocking incident occurred over the weekend. According to reports, the suspect initially lured the victim to a railway line with the intention of raping her, but changed location after noticing people nearby.
He then took the girl to his house in Nkowankowa Section C.
Once inside, he allegedly rape her on a couch before handing her R30 and threatening to kill her if she spoke out.
The victim, a Grade 5 learner from Mariveni village, was taken to Letaba Hospital and has since been discharged.
The suspect was apprehended by the police and is currently in custody. He is expected to appear before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 7 October 2025.
It is reported that the suspect admitted to the rape but claimed that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community. Just a week earlier, residents of Mariveni village held a 5 km walk to raise awareness and express their frustrations over the growing scourge of gender-based violence against women and children.
The case remains under investigation.
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