Greenfields grandfather hailed a hero after rescuing eight-year-old girl from alleged sexual assault

In Greenfields, a 64-year-old grandfather named Charles February has been hailed as a hero after he saved an eight-year-old girl from an alleged sexual assault. February was taking his grandchildren to school when he noticed something unusual outside his Franschhoek Street home on Friday morning. The incident involved a young girl walking to school, and February saw a male adult waving to the girl on the other side of the road.

He proceeded to investigate the situation with the scholar transport driver and found the man and child concealed near a wall and electricity box. February immediately intervened, restraining the man in a "citizen's arrest" until authorities arrived. The girl, still in her school uniform, told February that the man had allegedly asked her to come with him and had touched her inappropriately.

Police have confirmed the registration of a rape case at Kleinvlei station following the incident, which occurred around 7:20 am. The man has been arrested and is expected to appear in Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court once charged. February expressed concern about the area's overgrown spaces and urged for better maintenance to protect children in the neighborhood.