The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has voiced deep concern following a series of rape incidents reported across the province.
Belfast Incident: 8-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Raped by 15-Year-Old Suspect
In the first case, an 8-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 15-year-old boy during inter-school music activities in Belfast. The minor suspect has been referred to a probation officer for assessment, and the case docket has been forwarded to a senior public prosecutor for a decision on further legal action.
Bushbuckridge Incident: 17-Year-Old Learner Fights Off Attacker
Shortly after the Belfast incident, a 17-year-old Grade 12 learner was targeted in an attempted rape at a school in Bushbuckridge on 13 May 2025. The victim, an early arrival at school, fought back and overpowered the unknown suspect, who fled when she called for help. Police investigators swiftly traced and arrested the suspect, who is set to appear before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court today, 14 May 2025, on charges of sexual assault.
Middelburg Incident: 13-Year-Old Girl Assaulted, Suspect Arrested
In a separate case on 4 May 2025, a 13-year-old girl in Middelburg was accosted by two African males while returning home around 19:00 after accompanying her hairdresser. One of the suspects, known to the victim, lifted her, pulled her arm, and pushed her down. The girl screamed for help, prompting her mother to intervene, leading the suspect to release her. The accused was arrested and charged with rape. He is expected to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 15 May 2025.
Leslie House Robbery and Rape: Suspect Still at Large
In yet another distressing incident, an 18-year-old woman was raped during a house robbery in Leslie in the early hours of 12 May 2025. The suspect, armed with a firearm, demanded money and her cellphone. When she stated she had neither, he assaulted her. The attacker also stole a computer valued at R2,000 and her sister’s jersey worth R5,000. No arrests have been made.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Investigating Officer Sergeant Bheki Maphanga at 071 420 0295. Alternatively, tip-offs can be reported via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS app. All information will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Commends Police, Calls for Community Assistance
Major General Mkhwanazi commended the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for their swift arrests and assured the public that police are working tirelessly to apprehend remaining suspects. He encouraged communities to report such crimes and assist investigations to ensure perpetrators face justice.
“We know there are more cases beyond those mentioned, and we urge the public to work with us to bring offenders to book,” he said.
