Crèche Principal’s Husband Arrested For Rape Of 3-Year-Old Child. Image by Rape arrest
Mongalo, who is also husband to a local crèche owner and reportedly a pastor, appeared in court this week in a tense atmosphere, as hundreds of community members gathered outside the court demanding he be kept behind bars. The court ruled that Mongalo will remain in custody until his next appearance on December 3rd.
The alleged incident took place on Friday, September 25th. Mongalo, who is responsible for transporting children to the crèche, dropped the three-year-old victim off at her home later than usual that evening.
The victim seemed restless, and the child’s guardian became worried right away. Later, on the victim started complaining of severe pain in her intimate areas, her guardian immediately rushed her to a nearby hospital. The infant had been raped, according to hospital doctors.
The case was initially reported to the Botlokwa Police Station before being transferred to the specialised Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), which arrested Mongalo on Monday, September 29th. The accused, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape, was first placed under custody pending a formal bail application, which has now been turned down.
Limpopo officials have been quick to condemn the alleged act and praise the swift response of law enforcement. Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the FCS unit for their professional work.
“We will ensure a thorough investigation, that the perpetrator is held accountable, and the victim is supported and protected at every step,” said Lt-Gen Hadebe.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, also weighed in, calling for increased vigilance regarding those entrusted with children’s safety.
“We must ensure that those entrusted with the care and transportation of our children undergo thorough background checks and are continuously monitored,” MEC Mathye stated. “We condemn in the strongest terms this despicable act of violence against a defenceless child.”
Mongalo will remain behind bars until he appears again in court on December 3rd, as the community watches closely for justice to be served.
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