Folweni, Durban – An elderly man in his sixties was arrested today in Southgate, Folweni Township C section, on charges of Rape.
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The rape, which allegedly occurred 5 to 7 years ago, was brought to light by a brave young girl who had been under the guardianship of the accused and his wife at the time.
The couple runs a local crèche, where the girl, now 13 years old, had stayed with her sibling.
The allegations came to the forefront during a routine welfare check by social workers at Golokodo Primary School.
The girl reported that the assaults were frequent and took place mostly when the man’s wife was absent, sometimes even during the night while she slept in a separate room.
A social worker involved in the case commented,
“It’s devastating to uncover such severe abuse, especially when it involves someone who was trusted to care for vulnerable children. The bravery of the young girl in coming forward cannot be overstated. We are now working closely with authorities to ensure all victims receive the support they need.”
Her courageous testimony led to her being taken to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital for a medical examination, which confirmed the assaults.
Doctors noted signs of healing injuries, indicating the rape had been severe and prolonged.
The man is now in custody, awaiting a bail hearing.
Authorities are concerned that other children who were in the couple’s care might have been similarly victimized.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson added,
“The suspect, who is in his sixties, has been taken into custody and is facing serious charges. Our investigations are ongoing, and we are also looking into potential negligence or complicity by the suspect’s wife. We urge anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in this investigation.”
The community is deeply shaken by the revelations, as they trusted the couple to care for their children.
Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief at the revelations. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, stated,
“We always thought of them as kind, caring people. It’s horrifying to think something so terrible could have been happening right under our noses. Our thoughts are with the victim and any other children who might have been affected.”
Further complicating the situation are allegations against the man’s wife.
An earlier report by topstories24.news accused her of fraudulently managing the crèche.
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She allegedly coerced young mothers into leaving their children under her care and then took control of their social grant cards.
When these mothers attempted to reclaim their children and financial aid, they faced manipulation and deceit, often receiving only a small fraction of what they were entitled to.
Investigators are looking into whether the wife had knowledge of or was involved in the assaults, especially given her previous fraudulent activities.
There is a possibility she may also face charges as the investigation progresses.
This case has caused a significant outcry in the community, highlighting the betrayal of trust by those responsible for the care and safety of children.
There are calls for stricter oversight and regulation of childcare facilities to prevent such heinous acts from occurring in the future.
Authorities are urging anyone with further information to come forward to assist in uncovering the full extent of this disturbing case.
The community is demanding justice for the young victim and any others who may have suffered in silence.
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