Suspect in rape of three-year-old at crèche in Bloemfontein remanded in custody

The Free State Department of Education has taken a firm stance against a Bloemfontein crèche owner and an assistant after the alleged rape of a minor, and the discovery that the centre has been operating illegally. The department has instituted criminal charges of child neglect and illegal operation against the owner.

In addition, the mother of the victim has opened a rape case against the 23-year-old male assistant suspected to have assaulted the three-year-old girl. Known as the Stars of Tomorrow, the crèche is located in Phase 6, Bloemfontein. It is owned by Agnes Lingani (60), who was released on bail upon appearing in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 May.

The suspect has been remanded in custody. He has not pleaded to the charge instituted against him.

Some of the parents who also have children enrolled at the Stars of Tomorrow crèche in Phase 6, Bloemfontein, where a three-year-old was allegedly raped. Photo: Supplied

The minor is believed to have been raped in one of the toilet facilities on the premises of the centre.

Sgt Sinah Mpakane, spokesperson for the provincial police, said the victim’s mother had reported the incident to the police on Thursday, 9 May. She said the child had revealed her rape ordeal at the day care centre on probing by the 26-year-old mother.

“The child informed her mother that the suspect had taken her to the toilet, where he started penetrating her before she ran outside half-naked,” said Mpakane.

“The suspect went to fetch the victim and thereafter assaulted her for going outside half-naked.

“The suspect proceeded to dress her.”

Preliminary investigation confirmed the minor’s sexual assault.

“The victim was taken for medical examination with the doctor, confirming that the child had been raped,” said Mpakane.

She said upon the police’s arrival at the crèche, the suspect had been alone with the children, and the matron was reportedly at the market.

Howard Ndaba, spokesperson for the department, said the centre with 18 children was immediately shut down on discovering it operated illegally. Parents were advised to enrol their children at the registered early childhood development centres.

“To prevent the pair from working with children, the department through the Department of Social Development will submit their names to the national child protection register,” said Ndaba.