An 18-year-old man has been remanded in custody after appearing before the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo, South Africa, over allegations that he s€xually assaulted his 10-year-old biological brother, who is reportedly living with a disability.
The suspect appeared in court in connection with an alleged incident said to have occurred in Ga-Kopa, Tafelkop, within the Motetema area of Limpopo. The court postponed the matter until March 18 to allow the accused to formally apply for bail.
According to police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba, the incident allegedly took place on February 26 while the children’s mother had travelled to attend a funeral. The alleged crime remained undiscovered for several days.
Authorities said the case came to light when the mother later noticed that the younger child appeared to be in pain while she was bathing him. After being questioned, the boy reportedly disclosed that his older brother had s€xually assaulted him.
The incident was subsequently reported to the Motetema Police Station and later transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and S€xual Offences Unit in Groblersdal for further investigation. Police confirmed that the suspect was arrested on the same day the complaint was filed.
Provincial Police Commissioner Thembi Hadebe strongly condemned the alleged act, describing it as deeply troubling given the vulnerability of the victim.
Hadebe urged parents and guardians to report similar cases promptly, stressing that the relationship between the victim and the alleged perpetrator should not prevent such incidents from being brought to the attention of authorities.
Investigations into the case are ongoing as the court prepares to hear the suspect’s bail application later this month.
