Ndudi Anyim
A 91-year-old pensioner, who alleged defiled an 11-year-old girl and physically assaulted a 5-year-old boy, has been arraigned before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate Court.
It was gathered that the mother of the children, a lover to the suspect, was aware of the cruel act.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the mother abandoned her three children aged 11, 5 and 2. The shocking ordeal of the children was brought to the attention of Police in Bushbuckridge.
According to the Spokesperson for the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Leonard Hlath, “ It all started when a concerned citizen went to a certain house in Bushbuckridge and found three children in a terrible state without parental care.
“ The children are said to have informed the woman of their ordeal where they indicated that their parents have been abusing them physically, emotionally and sexually. Details given by the children also revealed that the 11 year old girl, had allegedly been raped by the 91 year old man, at times, in the presence of their mother.
“ The said woman then, out of compassion, took the children with her to a nearby school and reported the matter to the School Principal who then notified Police about the situation. Upon arrival, Police working together with their counterparts from the Department of Social Development, immediately sought medical attention for the children as well as taking them to a place of safety.
“ A case was also opened accordingly hence the man’s arrest and his court appearance as well as the manhunt for the mother of the children. ”
The spokesperson urged anyone who knows the woman’s whereabouts to contact Detective Sergeant Macro Makwela at 0726132576 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
“ Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous, ” he stated.