Male shot while raping child

A man was shot by police after he raped a seven-year-old girl in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal police say.

“Police proceeded to the scene and found a semi-naked adult male in the process of raping a child and he was in possession of a knife which he was holding at her throat,” said Warrant Officer Joey Jeevan.

The incident happened on Tuesday afternoon. Police were called after a child was heard screaming in a forest.

“A police vehicle was immediately dispatched to the scene and on arrival at the forest police were shown the area by the community member,” said Jeevan.

The 21-year-old man was found in the forest by police in the process of raping the child.

“Police warned the man. However he refused to get off and lunged forward at the police with the knife.”

“Police were thereafter forced to retaliate and fired one shot at the suspect. He sustained a gunshot wound to the left leg and was immediately placed under arrest,” said Jeevan.

The girl was walking home from school when she was dragged into the forest.

“She is immensely traumatised and is currently receiving medical treatment and counselling.”

The man was hospitalised under police guard and was due to appear at the Richmond Magistrate's Court soon.