MBOMBELA- A 44 year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Nelspruit Regional Court for raping his nine year-old daughter on several occasions.
The rape incidents took place in 2020 in Pienaar, Daantjie. During that period, the accused and the victim’s mother were residing in different places. The victim’s mother was away to practice as a traditional healer, and the victim was left under the care of the accused.
In February 2020, on several occasions, the accused would take the minor victim to his room and have sexual intercourse with her. The victim did not report the rape, however the incident became known after the victim’s mother noticed strange behaviour in her daughter, prompting the victim’s confession. The matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest.
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In court, the accused pleaded not guilty claiming that the victim’s mother had falsely charged him.
State Prosecutor, Lazarus Rabothata presented convincing evidence from the victim’s mother, including the victim’s testimony facilitated through intermediary services. A J88 medical report confirming injuries was presented. The state found the state witnesses credible and dismissed the accused’s defence as implausible.
During sentencing, the defence presented the personal circumstances of the accused, requesting the court to deviate from the prescribed sentence by taking into consideration the time the accused had spent in custody.
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The prosecutor objected and requested the court to impose a prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. A Victim Impact Statement from the victim’s mother, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Zodwa Lekhuleni, detailing the profound physical and psychological trauma she suffered, was handed in.
The National Prosecuting Authority commended the vigilance of the victim’s mother, whose swift action led to the arrest of the accused.
“This case highlights the critical role of parents in recognising signs of abuse and acting decisively. We hope that this sentence will send a clear message that the NPA prioritises gender-based violence cases, especially those targeting vulnerable children and will pursue justice relentlessly,” said the NPA.
