A 14-year-old boy from one of the areas under the Siphofaneni Constituency has been arrested for allegedly raping three six-year-old girls.
The shocking incident has left residents deeply disturbed. According to sources, the offences occurred last month, compelling mothers of the survivors to report the matter to the Siphofaneni police. It is alleged that two of the children were raped multiple times, while the third was assaulted once. The suspect has been formally charged with contravening Section 3(1) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act No. 15 of 2018.
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Community members claimed that the accused, whose identity is withheld to protect the minors, had dropped out of school and resides with his grandmother. It is said one of the survivors confided in her mother, describing the abuse in detail. Following the disclosure it is said some residents confronted the boy and he allegedly admitted to the offences.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed that the Siphofaneni police received the report and that the suspect has been arrested and charged. Vilakati expressed concern with the rising number of rape cases in the country, noting that the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) continued to receive increasing reports of sexual abuse, particularly involving young girls.
She emphasised that many of these incidents occur within domestic settings and urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant. “Parents and guardians should be mindful of who they trust to care for their children, even within the home,” Vilakati said.
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