South Africa: Premier of the Free State province MaQueen Letsoha visited a school in Petrusburg on Monday. She was accompanied by MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula.
The visit was conceived by the Premier of Free State after she received the reports of rape of children in the area. The premier  was shocked after learning that children as young as 12, were allegedly violated by an 82-year-old.
The suspect was an alleged sex pest who has been taken into custody by the police. The officials have shared that he has been charged with rape of the minors.
The suspect will appear in court on Thursday facing charges of rape. Premier of Free State attending a meeting at a local school. Premier was given a breakdown of the alleged violations of children.
A social worker informed the Premier and MEC that:
- Drug and alcohol abuse in the area is rife.
- Complainants were allegedly lured with clothes, food and money.
- Alleged victims are reluctant to come forward
- Children as young as 8 years – old are burdened with the responsibility of rearing their siblings while their parents consume alcohol.
Other allegations were that parents know about the sickly deed happening to their children but look the other way in exchange of money.
The Premier and MEC Mbalula received another worrying report during their visit that a nurse at a local clinic is related to the accused. The informant further noted that her conduct, in relation to the complainants, is a cause for concern.
The premier of Free State was especially concerned that a suspect aged 82 has allegedly been committing this crime. What the premier finds even more concerning is that some parents and the community at large are aware of the happenings. But, they were asked to keep quiet using money as bribery.
The premier promised that they would give the victims justice
Different stakeholders such as the South African Police Service, members of the School Governing Body, Community Policing Forum and social workers were in attendance.