POTCHEFSTROOM – An 80-year-old elderly man appeared before Brits Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 17 February 2020 for the alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl. The court appearance stems from his apprehension on Saturday, 15 February 2020, at about 15:00 in Geluk farming area, on the outskirts of Brits.

According to information available at this stage, it is alleged that the suspect went to the nearby shop accompanied by the victim who is the grandchild of his girlfriend on Saturday, 15 February 2020. Furthermore, the mother of the child went looking for them as she felt that they are taking too long to return home. She saw that they were on their way home and close by, she then went back inside the house.

In a dramatic turn of events, it is alleged that while inside the house, she decided to go and check on them again as they were taking longer than expected to enter the house. It is further alleged that both the suspect and the child were nowhere to be found. She allegedly searched and found both of them under a tree in the bushes, with the child allegedly half naked.

The mother allegedly screamed for community members to come to her rescue and thereafter the police was alerted. The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with rape. He was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear before the same court on Tuesday, 25 February 2020 for a formal bail application.

Source: South African Police Service