NEIGHBOUR SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF A SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL
The Mankweng Regional Court has sentenced a 38-year-old man from Solomondale to life imprisonment for the rape of a six-year-old girl. The name of the accused is concealed to protect the victim. The incident occurred on 19 October 2018, in Solomondale, when the accused called the victim while she was playing at her homestead. He then lured her to his house, where he raped her, gave her one rand, and told her not to tell anyone.
During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty to the offence, and the state Advocate Makgomothi Masehel had to prove the case to link the accused person to the offence. The J88 was handed in to corroborate the evidence of the doctor who examined the child and testified about the injuries the victim sustained throughout the ordeal. There was no DNA to link the accused to the offence as he used a condom, which was a challenge to the state.
The Victim Impact Report submitted to the court, indicates that the victim fears male persons including the accused, as well as other male family members. She is reluctant to play with other children and struggles to sleep at night. The family is disappointed as they trusted the accused with handy work at their home. The teacher confirmed that the child became passive in class. The victim has relocated to another village, as they live in the same street as the accused. She underwent psycho-social services rendered at Mankweng Thuthuzela Care Centre to assist her deal with the trauma.
The pre-sentence report was also handed in by the state, which recommended that the accused must be sentenced to life imprisonment. The Presiding Officer, Karin Pillay could not find any compelling circumstances to deviate from the minimum sentences act and sentence the accused to life imprisonment.
The NPA welcomes the sentence and stands firm in to fight against violence against women and children. The Director of Public Prosecutions, advocate Ivy Thenga commends the good work of the state Advocate Masehela, Mankweng Thuthuzela Care Centre and Investigating Officer.
