Police had taken a 72-year-old Eastern Cape man into custody for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl.

According to police spokesperson, Captain Jackson Manatha, the Butterworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit apprehended the man on Wednesday.

It is reported that the victim was sexually abused from 2017 to September 2018 in Thembeni, Ramra Village, Willowvale.

The Captain attested that the victim was threatened not to inform anyone about the reported rape.

"The victim finally broke the silence to one of her relatives on Tuesday.

"The alleged rape was reported to Willowvale police station."

The man is anticipated to face Willowvale Magistrate's Court on Thursday on a prosecution of rape.

Manatha added that Butterworth cluster commander, Brigadier Ngangema Xakavu was shocked and reprimanded the scene.