Free State social development MEC Mathabo Leeto has visited a child in hospital suspected of being raped and abused by her father.
The department said the three-year-old girl was admitted to Katleho District Hospital in Virginia on Tuesday.
"Neighbours alerted police after hearing suspicious cries from the girl late at night.
“It is said the girl's father, who had recently fetched her from her mother, had previously taken good care of her. However, this time, he [allegedly] subjected her to unimaginable abuse.”
Free State police spokesperson Capt Loraine Earle said officers were summoned to a complaint of suspected child neglect at a flat in Virginia at about 00.45am on Tuesday.
“On arrival they found the female minor with serious multiple injuries on her face and body, covered with a jacket on her upper body. The child was taken for medical treatment and examination.
“Preliminary investigations were conducted and revealed that the child was allegedly sexually assaulted.”
A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged with attempted murder and rape, she said.
He appeared in the Virginia magistrate's court on Wednesday. The case was postponed to January 22. He remains in custody.
TimesLIVE
Neighbours remove girl, 3, from father after suspecting abuse
Image: Free State Department of Social Development/Facebook
Free State social development MEC Mathabo Leeto has visited a child in hospital suspected of being raped and abused by her father.
The department said the three-year-old girl was admitted to Katleho District Hospital in Virginia on Tuesday.
"Neighbours alerted police after hearing suspicious cries from the girl late at night.
“It is said the girl's father, who had recently fetched her from her mother, had previously taken good care of her. However, this time, he [allegedly] subjected her to unimaginable abuse.”
Free State police spokesperson Capt Loraine Earle said officers were summoned to a complaint of suspected child neglect at a flat in Virginia at about 00.45am on Tuesday.
“On arrival they found the female minor with serious multiple injuries on her face and body, covered with a jacket on her upper body. The child was taken for medical treatment and examination.
“Preliminary investigations were conducted and revealed that the child was allegedly sexually assaulted.”
A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged with attempted murder and rape, she said.
He appeared in the Virginia magistrate's court on Wednesday. The case was postponed to January 22. He remains in custody.
TimesLIVE
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