Girl, 13, was given R20 after being raped, police say, as two suspects appear in Kgapane court

Two male suspects, aged 17 and 28, have been arrested for the rape of a 13-year-old girl in the Bolobedu policing area of Limpopo, the South African Police Service said in a media statement issued through the office of the provincial commissioner in Polokwane.

The two were arrested on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 by members of the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit. Both are expected to appear before the Kgapane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 15 October 2026, facing rape charges.

According to the police statement, the child was raped on separate dates during April 2026. One incident is alleged to have taken place at the residence of the 28-year-old suspect. The other, involving the 17-year-old suspect, is alleged to have taken place next to a sports ground. Both incidents occurred in the same village in the Bolobedu policing area.

The matter came to light when the victim’s mother noticed that the child had a R20.00 banknote and asked where it came from. The child reportedly told her that a male person had given her the money after raping her. The matter was reported to the police on 10 October 2026.

Police say the investigation is continuing.

The statement was issued by Colonel Malesela Ledwaba of the South African Police Service. The full media statement is published at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71836.