In a solemn courtroom setting, justice unfolded as the Nelspruit Regional Court pronounced a life sentence upon a fifty-seven-year-old man. His crime? The brutal rape of a vulnerable thirteen-year-old girl in 2020.
The victim, residing with her fifteen-year-old sister in their Pienaar Trust home while their mother toiled away, endured a nightmare that would forever scar her innocence. On a fateful day, the accused manipulated the victim’s elder sister into leaving for a netball game.
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Alone with the young girl, he wielded threats that chilled her to the bone, compelling her to undress and submit.
Within the confines of that room, the accused committed an unspeakable act—the violation of a child’s trust and safety. But fate intervened.
The victim’s cousin arrived unexpectedly, discovering her partially clothed in the same house as the perpetrator. The truth spilled out, and the victim revealed that this was the second time the accused had assaulted her.
The victim’s aunt, alerted by the concerned cousin, took immediate action. She examined the traumatized girl and found damning evidence—semen on her private parts. The victim’s mother was notified, and the wheels of justice began to turn. The accused was apprehended, denied bail, and faced trial.
Despite his denials, the court heard compelling evidence. The victim, her cousin, and her aunt testified, recounting the horror they had witnessed. The forensic nurse and a positive DNA report further sealed the case. The accused’s guilt was undeniable.
In aggravation of sentence the state handed in the victim impact statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Nomfundo Mokoena where the victim drew two pictures of herself explaining how the rape ordeal affected her before and after the incident.
Prosecutor Mahlwele argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances advanced by the accused for the court to deviate from the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment and therefore asked the court to sentence the accused to life imprisonment. Accordingly, the court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentence and applauded the prosecutor as well as the investigating team for the job well done. “We remain resolute in our efforts in the fight against Gender-Based violence and promotion of a safe environment for vulnerable groups of society.”
