DNA clears man accused of statutory r3pe of 13-year-old girl who gave birth in South Africa

A 28-year-old man, Ditebogo Frans Gololo, who was arrested in December 2024 in Seshego, Polokwane, South Africa on charges of statutory r3pe has been exonerated following DNA testing. 

The results revealed that he is not the father of the baby, despite initial allegations that he had impregnated a 13-year-old girl. 

The man had been in custody since the girl gave birth at Seshego Hospital on Christmas Day, with the accused consistently denying any involvement with the minor. 

The case has sparked outrage and concern in the community, igniting conversations about the safety and protection of young girls. 

The Polokwane community equally expressed deep frustration over the issue of teenage pregnancies.

Gololo appeared at the Seshego Magistrates Court outside Polokwane on Monday morning, March 3, 2025.

Following the DNA findings, the man has been granted bail. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi stated that the Director of Public Prosecutions is still determining the next steps in the case.