LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A 9-YEAR-OLD
07 OCTOBER 2025
LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A 9-YEAR-OLD
The Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Hendrick Banda (39) to life imprisonment for the repeated rape of a 9-year-old girl in 2020. The heinous crimes took place at Durban Deep, where Banda, who is a family friend and tavern owner, exploited his relationship with the victim’s mother, who struggled with alcohol abuse. The incident came to light when an elder overheard the 9-year-old victim disclosing the assaults while playing with friends.
The case was reported at the Roodepoort Police Station, leading to Banda’s arrest on 24 January 2021, where investigations led by Sergeant Ditsi revealed that the accused lured the 9-year-old victim to his room under the pretence of needing her to read to him, claiming he could not read. He then repeatedly raped her, instructing her to remain silent and promising her money.
The state called the victim's foster mother, who testified that the child now suffers from severe emotional, physical, and psychological trauma. She struggles with incontinence, requiring diapers, and faces ongoing challenges, including anxiety, aggression, low self-esteem, and poor academic performance. These impacts were highlighted during sentencing.
Regional Court Prosecutor Kelebogile Sibi emphasised the gravity of the offence, the vulnerability of rape victims, and the betrayal of trust by the accused, who abused his position of authority and the principle of Ubuntu. The prosecutor underscored the permanent scars inflicted on the victim and the broader societal outcry against such crimes, which deprive children of their constitutional rights to safety and freedom.
Magistrate Anneline Africa, in delivering the sentence, considered the extreme cruelty and manipulative nature of the accused’s actions, the degree of violence used, and the profound harm caused to the vulnerable and defenceless victim. The court noted Banda’s exploitation of the victim’s mother through alcohol and his pretence of being a trusted figure.
All cases of sexual violence encroach on the rights to dignity and privacy of the victims as enshrined in our constitution, hence the NPA aggressively prosecutes these cases.
Issued by:
Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division, Johannesburg
0834024787/0112204245