A 16-year-old Beit Bridge boy from the local Nswazi village was arrested for allegedly raping a four-year-old toddler who had been left in his sister’s custody, police have said.

Police spokesperson Insp Tafanana Dzirutwe said the incident occurred on Thursday, 17 February. “The boy and the parents of the victim are neighbours and the toddler was left in the custody of the suspect’s sister. While the suspect’s sister was away, the boy allegedly took the infant to his bedroom where he raped her. He was caught red-handed by his sister after she heard the toddler crying," Dzirutwe said.

The sister alerted the infant’s mother on her arrival from Gwanda and a report was subsequently made to the police, leading to the boy’s arrest.

“We are still conducting investigations and the suspect will soon appear in court, facing a rape charge. The police would like to urge parents to ensure that their babies are left in the custody of an adult whenever travelling, to avoid the recurrence of such incidents,” he added.