Spectre of child rape hangs heavily over Mpumalanga

The recent spate of alleged child rapes, particularly involving toddlers, in Mpumalanga and the Free State has raised concerns about the lack of action taken by authorities against the perpetrators.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

United Democratic Movement Women's Organisation (Udemwo) secretary-general, Thandi Nontenja, MP, expressed shock "at the alarming rise in rape incidents" countrywide and demanded that the government should take concrete steps to address the problem.

She referred to different incidents that occurred between November last year and early this month. This was before and after December, the month set aside to commemorate the 16 Days of No Violence against Women and Children.

Nontenja highlighted several incidents that occurred in Mpumalanga and the Free State between November and early this month. These included the alleged rape of a three-year-old and two-year-old toddlers in Siyabuswa and Elukwatini in Mpumalanga.

A 12-year-old girl and nine-year-old boy were also allegedly raped in Welkom in the Free State during the same period.