Polokwane – Police in Limpopo have arrested a 28-year-old man after a 13-year-old girl gave birth on Christmas Day.
Speaking to the SABC, Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe on Friday, (27 December 2024), said the new mother disclosed the details of the man who impregnated her during an interview.
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, a medical doctor, said she welcomed the arrest of the suspect.
The 13-year-old mother was among the 31 teenagers in the province who gave birth on Christmas Day.
Once the hospital notified the police that a pregnant 13-year-old girl had been admitted, they swiftly investigated a case of statutory rape.
“It came by surprise that a teenage girl of 13 years was hospitalised due to pregnancy as a result she then gave birth on Christmas Day. The matter was brought under our attention,” said Lieutenant-General Hadebe.
Police immediately acted and traced the suspect who was working at a restaurant in Polokwane.
The suspect was arrested on Boxing Day, (Thursday 26 December 2024), and will soon appear in court.
Lieutenant-General Hadebe said she directed the police to investigate all the underage pregnancies in the province.
The police chief said all the men involved will be arrested and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, in the Free State on Christmas 79 babies (37 female and 41 male babies) were delivered.
Eight babies were born to mothers 19 years of age and younger.
In the Eastern Cape 26 teenage girls aged between 15 and 19 were among the 196 mothers who gave birth on Christmas Day.
Gauteng recorded 393 babies born on Christmas Day (Males 209 and Females 184).
