A 16-year-old boy is facing serious charges after allegedly raping and assaulting a six-year-old girl in uMthwalume, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
The horrific incident has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked outrage.
The teenager appeared in the Umzumbe Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he was charged with kidnapping, attempted murder, sexual assault, and murder. The court proceedings were held in camera due to the sensitive nature of the case.
Provincial MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, attended the court hearing and called for calm amidst growing tensions in the community. She urged residents to allow the law to take its course.
The accused is also suspected of being involved in the murder of eight-year-old Sinethemba Ngcece Sibiya, whose body was discovered near a river last year.
MEC Shinga expressed deep concern over the escalating violence against children and pledged the department’s commitment to supporting both the victims and their families. Counselling services and child protection measures will be implemented.
The accused has been remanded in custody and will return to court on July 29.
