The Free State Department of Social Development has condemned the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl from Thaba Nchu, Free State.

The teenager who is now pregnant was allegedly raped by a 45-year-old man who is known to her family and lives in the neighbourhood from June last year when she was 13.

The victim’s mother says she discovered that her daughter was pregnant when she bought Christmas clothes.

A rape case was opened and the suspect is in police custody.

He is expected to appear in Selosesha Magistrate’s Court again on Friday for a bail application.

Provincial Social Development spokesperson Thembile Nqabeni says they will work with other departments to support the girl.

“MEC Mathabo Leeto strongly condemns this barbaric act of crime rape, drugging and subsequent impregnation of a 13-year-old child in Thaba Nchu, Free State. MEC Mathabo Leeto earlier today, directed social workers and officials to visit the family and provide psycho-social support and family counselling.”

“The department is confident that the judicial system will ensure that justice is served for this young girl, with the perpetrator receiving the harshest sentence. Partnership between Department of Social Development, Department of Health, and Department of Education will be strengthened to ensure continued support to the child and her family, as we are nearing the re-opening of schools for 2025,” explains Nqabeni.