MOPANI – The police in the Mopani area arrested an 18-year-old man and charged him with rape on Monday afternoon. The incident relating to the case took place at Letsitele settlement last Sunday evening at about 18:30.

According to the police spokesperson in the area, Const Sylvia Hlungwane, the 15-year-old victim and her friends were watching soccer on television at her home before the incident. At the end of the game, the victim and her friends went out and ran in the streets as a way of celebrating Kaizer Chiefs Football Club’s winning the PSL league championship.

While celebrating, the group went to the nearby Mokgoboya Café and joined others in their celebrations.

On their way home, they met the suspect, who was going in the opposite direction. The suspect allegedly grabbed the victim by her hand and told her friends to go on with their journey, saying they shouldt not worry about the safety of the victim as she was in safe hands.

According to the police statement, the suspect allegedly started proposing sex to the victim, but she responded negatively. Realizing that the victim was not prepared to agree, the suspect allegedly started threatening her with death if she did not have sex with him.

The suspect later allegedly raped the girl repeatedly before letting her go. He was arrested at his home the following day. The suspect was still to appear in the Ritavi Magistrates’ Court at the time of going to press.