A 39-YEAR-old pastor appeared before the Mkhuhlu Magistrate's Court in Mpumalanga for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl, who is a member of his congregation.

The incident allegedly happened at the girl’s home on January 24.

“The victim finally broke her silence to concerned citizens on February 7. The incident was eventually reported to the police,” Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said.

The case was assigned to the Acornhoek SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, which probed the matter, resulting in the arrest of the 39-year-old man on Friday.

“During his court appearance, the suspect was remanded in custody. The case was postponed to Thursday for a formal bail application,” said Mdhluli.

In an unrelated matter, the Mpumalanga police said they have made “a breakthrough” in a rape case involving a seven-year-old girl.

The police said the young girl was allegedly raped by her 52-year-old grandfather.

The man was arrested for the incident that allegedly happened on December 26 in Bushbuckridge.

“The girl also broke her silence after her mother had a conversation with her children regarding incidents of molestation and emphasised that they should not keep quiet about such incidents but rather report it immediately,” said Mdhluli.

“It was during this period when the little girl came out and talked about her ordeal.”

After an investigation was conducted, the grandfather was traced and apprehended.

The grandfather was remanded in custody and the case was postponed to Monday next week for formal bail application.

Mpumalanga provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela welcomed the arrests of the two suspected rapists.

Manamela also raised concerns regarding frequent allegations of minor children being raped by adults across the province.

“Adults should protect children, who are the future. We are confident of the wheels of justice and hope that justice will be served. We are also encouraged by the (arrests),” said Manamela.