Family friend arrested after alleged rape of 15-year-old girl in Chavani

A 37-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl at a home in Chavani Riverside Section under the Waterval policing area.

In a statement on Sunday police said the incident allegedly occurred on Friday, 6 November 2026, at about 8.45am.

It is alleged that the teenager was at home with her 40-year-old mother, who left briefly to travel to Nkuna Kraal Mall.

While on her way to the mall, the mother reportedly realised that she had left her bank card at home and returned to collect it.

When she arrived, she allegedly found the house locked and knocked on the door.

Police said the teenager opened the door wearing only a towel. The mother allegedly then discovered a man, known to the family as a family friend, inside the house.

The suspect was allegedly wearing only a pair of trousers.

According to the preliminary information, the man had allegedly entered the home, forced the teenager into a bedroom and assaulted her.

The mother immediately contacted the police, who responded to the scene.

A rape case was opened and the 37-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 November 2026, on a charge of rape.