Community in Uproar as Man Appears in Court for Alleged Rape of 6-Year-Old in Arnot

A 26-year-old Ethiopian national has appeared before the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga, facing serious charges including the rape of a six-year-old girl in Arnot, near Hendrina. The incident, which reportedly occurred on April 3, has sparked outrage and widespread protests within the local community.

According to police, the child had been sent to a nearby tuckshop when the alleged assault occurred. The case was promptly reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), and a specialist investigation was undertaken by members of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit. Through swift action and intensive investigation, officers managed to trace and arrest the suspect on April 5.

The suspect, in addition to facing rape charges, is also being charged with contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act. His court appearance on April 7 led to the postponement of the case to April 14, pending further investigation.

The incident has caused significant unrest in the community. In response to the allegations, angry residents staged protests, demanding justice for the young victim. Many foreign-owned spaza shops were forced to close, with operators hurriedly packing up their goods and fleeing the area. The closures remain in place following a tense community meeting, as residents call for greater safety and accountability.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli confirmed the details of the incident and the police response, commending the prompt action by the SAPS.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi issued a strong statement condemning the crime. “We strongly denounce the brutal act committed against a defenceless child. The SAPS will not rest until justice is served. Our investigators are working closely with the prosecution team to ensure that the suspect is held fully accountable,” he said.

Mkhwanazi also praised the work of the FCS unit, highlighting the importance of their role in cases involving vulnerable victims. He assured the community that the SAPS is committed to protecting the rights and safety of all children in the province.

As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains united in its demand for justice and the protection of the most vulnerable among them.