Ditebogo Frans Gololo, a 28-year-old man detained in Seshego, Polokwane, South Africa, during December 2024, on charges of statutory rape, has been cleared following DNA analysis.
The test results demonstrated that he is not the biological father of the child, contradicting initial claims that he had impregnated a 13-year-old girl.
The individual had been held in detention since the girl gave birth at Seshego Hospital on Christmas Day, throughout which he maintained his innocence and denied any connection with the minor.
This case has generated significant public outcry and concern within the community, prompting discussions regarding the security and safeguarding of young girls.
The Polokwane community also voiced considerable dissatisfaction regarding the prevalence of adolescent pregnancies.
Gololo appeared before the Seshego Magistrates Court, located outside Polokwane, on the morning of Monday, 3rd March 2025.
Subsequent to the DNA findings, he has been released on bail.
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), indicated that the Director of Public Prosecutions is currently evaluating the future course of action in this matter.
