NPA SECURES LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE RAPE OF A 7-YEAR-OLD CHILD IN DEWETSDORP

Dewetsdorp, Free State – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully secured a sentence of life imprisonment for the rape of a seven-year-old girl in the Dewetsdorp Regional Court. The accused was convicted on 04 September 2026 and sentenced to life imprisonment after the court found that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.

The court heard that on 02 December 2022, the seven-year-old complainant returned home at approximately 15h00 and found the accused, who was unknown to her, inside the house. The accused dragged the child into a bedroom, forced her onto a bed, undressed her, and raped her. Following the assault, he used a pair of scissors to cut off her braids.

The accused fled when he heard the complainant's mother approaching the house. The complainant's mother saw him running from the residence and recognised him. Upon entering the house, she found her daughter visibly distressed. When she asked about her cut hair, the child immediately disclosed that the accused had raped her.

The accused, who was 18 years old at the time of the offence, pleaded not guilty and relied on an alibi defence. He called two witnesses in support of his version. However, the court rejected the evidence of the accused and his witnesses, finding them to be unreliable and not credible.

During sentencing proceedings, Advocate Ronel Botha argued that the offence was particularly serious and warranted a sentence that properly reflected its gravity, the circumstances under which it was committed, and it’s devastating impact on the child. She further submitted that the accused had shown no remorse for his actions and that no sentence other than life imprisonment would be appropriate in the circumstances.

In imposing sentence, the court agreed that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a lesser sentence and accordingly sentenced the accused to life imprisonment.

The NPA welcomes the sentence, which reflects the seriousness with which the courts continue to treat crimes of sexual violence against children. The successful prosecution and sentence underscore the criminal justice system's commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and holding offenders accountable for their actions.

The NPA remains steadfast in its determination to combat gender-based violence and femicide, particularly crimes committed against women and children. Through dedicated prosecution, collaboration with criminal justice partners, and a victim-centred approach, the NPA will continue to pursue justice for survivors and ensure that perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions.

The NPA further remains committed to strengthening the prosecution of sexual offences, supporting victims and witnesses throughout the judicial process, and contributing to a society in which women and children are safe, their rights are protected, and offenders are held accountable before the law.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Free State Division