A community in Qwaqwa is reeling in horror and outrage after a 63-year-old local man purportedly known as a ‘Reverend was arrested over the weekend for the alleged repeated rape of an eight-year-old girl a crime authorities say was brought to light by the vigilance of the child school.
The tranquil facade of Paballong Village was shattered on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, when the mother of the young girl received a devastating call from her daughter’s teachers. According to police reports, the child had confided in her friends about the assaults, who then bravely reported the incident to a teacher. The school immediately escalated the matter triggering a chain of events that would see a trusted community figure face the most serious of charges.
It is alleged that on 11 November 2025 at about 16:00, the mother of the young girl was shocked to learn from teachers of her daughter that she was allegedly sexually violated by a local Reveren a police spokesperson confirmed. The shock was compounded by the further allegation that this was not an isolated incident, but the second time the suspect had allegedly violated the child.
The subsequent police investigation moved swiftly, leading to the arrest of the suspect. He was formally charged with rape on Friday, November 14, 2025. The accused made his initial appearance before the Tseki Magistrate Court on Monday, November 17 where the grim details of the case were formally entered into the court record.
The case has sent ripples of anger and betrayal through the close-knit community where trust in figures of perceived moral authority is now profoundly shaken. Residents gathered outside the courthouse expressing a mixture of grief and fury demanding justice for the young victim.
The National Prosecuting Authority has indicated it will oppose the release of the accused, citing the seriousness of the offence and its impact on the minor victim. The suspect remains in custody and is expected to apply for bail on Monday November 24, 2025. The court proceedings are being closely watched as a community seeks answers and a little girl awaits justice. Read Original