POLICE LAUNCH MANHUNT FOR 19-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT FOLLOWING ALLEGED RAPE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN HOEDSPRUIT

Police in Hoedspruit, under the Mopani District, have launched a manhunt for a 19-year-old man wanted in connection with the alleged statutory rape of a 12-year-old girl at Finale Village.

According to police, the incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, 03 November 2026, at approximately 20:00. The child's mother was alerted by her grandmother that the girl was missing from the house.

The mother immediately began searching for her daughter but was unable to locate her. She subsequently waited outside the house with a relative. A short while later, they allegedly spotted the child jumping over a fence from a neighbouring yard.

When questioned by her family, the girl reportedly revealed that the suspect had instructed her to jump over the fence before taking her to his room, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.

The matter was reported to the police, and a case of statutory rape was opened.

The suspect reportedly fled and remains at large. The investigation has since been handed over to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Phalaborwa, where detectives are working to track him down.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist in locating and arresting the suspect to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Andries Malatjie, on 071 355 0556.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.