RADZILANI HEARTBROKEN FOLLOWING THE RAPE OF A MINOR BOY

• The South African Police Service is investigating the rape of a minor boy in Musina, allegedly by a 24-year-old woman, who is currently in custody.
• MEC for Social Development in Limpopo, Florence Radzilani, expressed outrage and grief at the alleged harm inflicted on the child and called for swift justice.
• ⁠It was particularly painful that this happened during Women’s Month, a time meant to celebrate and honour women.

Limpopo Social Development MEC Florence Radzilani has expressed outrage and heartbreak at the rape of a 13-year-old minor boy allegedly by a 24-year-old woman at a shelter in Musina recently.

According to police reports, the young victim was passing by the shelter when the suspect allegedly lured him inside.

Shockingly, the suspect was apparently found naked, lying on the ground, and allegedly proceeded to touch the boy inappropriately before allegedly raping him.

An eyewitness, a resident at the shelter, saw the incident as they were going to the dustbin and promptly alerted the shelter’s caretaker.

The matter was immediately reported to the police, who arrested the suspect and are now investigating this case.

“We cannot find words sufficient to express our grief and outrage over this violation of a child’s innocence and the grievous harm inflicted upon him,” the MEC said.

It was particularly painful that amid the nation’s observance of Women’s Month, a time meant to celebrate and honour women, such grievous acts are being committed by women who are supposed to be protectors, nurturers, and sources of love and safety for our children, Radzilani added.

“This incident starkly contradicts the values we uphold and highlights the urgent need for justice, accountability, and renewed efforts to protect our vulnerable populations from gender-based violence,” the MEC said.

She condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms and called for swift justice for the young boy.

“No child should ever endure such suffering, and we stand in unwavering support of efforts to combat gender-based violence in all its forms,” she added.

Meanwhile, Radzilani welcomed the recent sentencing of a 34-year-old man to 20 years imprisonment for raping three women in separate incidents between 2012 and 2018 at Mentz village, within the Mankweng policing area.

It was revealed during the trial that the perpetrator used dangerous weapons to threaten and rob his victims before assaulting them.

“This sentence sends a clear message that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated, and it serves as a critical deterrent to would-be rapists and criminals,” said Radzilani.

The MEC emphasised that the government remains committed to fighting gender-based violence and ensuring that justice prevails for all victims.