In a landmark ruling, the Sasolburg Regional Court has sentenced a 47-year-old man to 20 years of direct imprisonment for the rape of a 10-year-old child.
The harrowing incident occurred on October 30, 2021, when the accused, who was renting a room in the victim’s home, violated the trust placed in him.
The accused lured the young girl to his room under the influence of alcohol. There, he committed the heinous act, leaving the child traumatised and vulnerable.
After the assault, he handed her a mere R2 for snacks, coupled with a chilling threat: if she dared to speak out, her academic future would be jeopardised.
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Adding to the gravity of the crime, the accused had been part of the victim’s family for approximately four years. His betrayal of their trust was unfathomable. The court heard how he exploited his position as a tenant to prey on the innocent child.
Regional Court Prosecutor Ntombi Marase argued passionately for the maximum sentence, emphasizing the accused’s lack of remorse. The victim’s trauma was further highlighted through a Victim Impact Statement, revealing ongoing flashbacks from the horrific event.
The court acknowledged the alarming prevalence of child rape in society. In a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence, the judge considered the injuries documented in the J88 medical report. Ultimately, the accused received a 20-year prison term, with his name added to the national register of sexual offenders. Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
This verdict sends a powerful message: crimes against minors will not be tolerated, and justice will prevail.
