A 55-year-old tuck shopkeeper in north Durban has been arrested after allegedly fondling and kissing an eight-year-old girl he lured into his shop.
The incident occurred on Saturday, February 7, in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), the young girl was allegedly molested after she proceeded to a tuck shop to purchase snacks.
“It was alleged that a 55-year-old male shopkeeper called the child into the premises and behaved inappropriately toward her.”
“The child was fondled and kissed by the man after he lured her inside the premises,” RUSA said in a statement.
The accused was reportedly employed to operate the tuck shop, which belonged to a member of the community.
“The child left the premises shortly thereafter and returned home, where she informed her older sister.”
“The sister then contacted their mother, and the matter was escalated for further intervention.”
RUSA said a tow truck operator transported the child, her mother, and the suspect to Reaction Unit South Africa headquarters.
“While en route, the Tow Truck Operator reported being stopped by a man he identified as the suspect’s employer and a Community Policing Forum (CPF) member, who allegedly suggested that the matter should not be reported to law enforcement but instead be negotiated and resolved privately.”
The victim’s mother and the tow truck operator refused the offer.
“The same individual allegedly followed the Tow Truck Operator to RUSA headquarters where he informed Reaction Officers that he was willing to resolve the matter with the mother in exchange for no criminal case being registered and offered one cow as compensation.”
RUSA said the tow truck operator alleged that the man is a member of the Community Policing Forum and is threatening the child’s mother in an attempt to prevent her from reporting the matter.
“Female Reaction Officers interviewed the minor, her mother, and the suspect before contacting a Commissioned Officer within the South African Police Service (SAPS) Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for further directives.”
The officers were advised to arrest the suspect and transport him to the local SAPS Community Service Centre for further processing and investigation.
“Information was further received that the mother of the victim, who is attending a primary school in the same area, has been intimidated by a group of individuals related to the suspect in custody.”
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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