Taxi driver fondles Standard 6 pupil, asks for sex

A trusted taxi driver in Semotswane village near Tonota allegedly put his hand under the skirt of a 12-year-old girl, touching her private parts, while driving her to school.

The victim is a standard six pupil at a local school.

The taxi driver was hired to drive the minor to school on a daily basis, but last week inappropriately fondled her and uttered the words, "o nkemele ha sekole se tswa, tle re ye go haver sex," ordering the little girl to wait for him after school so they can go and have sex.

When arriving at school, the frustrated victim told her teacher about the incident and the teacher did not waste time to report the matter to the police.

Police are still searching for the taxi man who has since disappeared. Confirming the incident to The Midweek Sun, Tonota Deputy station commander, Assistant Superintendent Patricia Moeng said they have launched a manhunt for the suspect.

He revealed that suspicions are that the suspect has been abusing minors through the same modus operandi.

"We have school anti-crime committees where we tour schools teaching learners about these issues and encouraging them to report if they experience any form of abuse," Moeng said.

She revealed that the committee's efforts have been bearing fruit, as minors increasingly report to their teachers and parents.

Moeng said they have raided the taxi man's home, searched for him at the taxi station but did not find him. He has not reported for duty ever since the incident.

"Before we begin our search, the issue was trending on Facebook. The suspect fled soon after seeing the matter trending on Facebook," Moeng said, further pleading with the public to desist from posting issues on Facebook while they are still under investigation.

"Indecent assault is a serious crime, one can be sent to jail for more than seven years, with or without corporal punishment," she said.