MAKHUSHANE COMMUNITY ASSISTS POLICE IN ARREST OF SUSPECT FOR RAPE OF 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL

MAKHUSHANE VILLAGE : A 36-year-old man, Khali Malatji, appeared before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 January 2026, in connection with the rape of an 11-year-old girl. The incident occurred on Friday, 24 January 2026, at approximately 10:00 in Ga-Makhushane Mbhambha, Namakgale policing area, Mopani District.

The police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the preliminary reports indicated that the victim’s mother was alerted by community members after the suspect allegedly dragged the child behind a nearby spaza shop and raped her. Community members who witnessed the despicable act rushed to the scene, where they rescued the child and apprehended the suspect.

Police were immediately called to the scene, and the suspect was detained at Namakgale Police Station. He appeared before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody until 03 February 2026 for profiling.

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the swift action and vigilance of the community members who intervened to protect the child and ensured the suspect was apprehended.

“We applaud the community for their active participation in fighting crime and protecting our children. This case demonstrates the power of community partnerships with the police in ensuring that perpetrators of these heinous crimes face the full might of the law. I urge all communities to continue working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to create safer environments for our children and vulnerable members of society,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The case is being investigated by the Phalaborwa Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

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