Man held for teen baby

CHRISTMAS: 13-YEAR-OLD MOM THE LATEST VICTIM OF STATUTORY RAPE

- Vhahangwele Nemakonde

A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with statutory rape after allegedly fathering a child with a 13-year-old girl in Limpopo, police said yesterday.

His arrest follows reports of the 13-year-old who gave birth at Seshego Hospital on Christmas Day.

It is illegal for people younger than 16 years to consent to or to be involved in any sexual act and it constitutes statutory rape.

However, consensual sex between 12 and 15 years, and sex between an adolescent younger than 16 years and a partner who is not more than two years older, is not a sexual offence.

Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba lauded the arrest.

"We welcome this prompt response by the South African Police Service after the hospital raised concerns about a 13-year-old giving birth during Christmas," said Ramathuba.