MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING HIS 6-YEAR-OLD NEIGHBOUR'S DAUGHTER
15 AUGUST 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING HIS 6-YEAR-OLD NEIGHBOUR'S DAUGHTER
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Nigel Magistrates' Court to a 33-year-old man from Duduza. This is after he pleaded guilty and was convicted of rape of a 6-year-old girl, who at the time of the offence was his neighbour's daughter. The court ordered that his name be entered into the Register of Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
On 17 February 2024, during the day, the man hosted a party at his place of residence in Duduza. During the party, the victim, who was also attending, went to the toilet in the yard, and while in there, the man entered and proceeded to rape the child. Thereafter, the man and the child left the toilet and proceeded with the party. In the evening, when the mother was preparing the child for bed at their place of residence, the child told the mother that her vagina was sore, and she could not put on her underwear. Thereafter, the mother checked the child, saw white residue on her vagina, and that it was swollen. The mother then asked the child what had happened, and the child told her what the man had done to her. The following day, the matter was reported to the police, and the man was arrested at his residence.
In his guilty plea, the man agreed to committing the offence and said that he understands that he was linked to the offence through DNA. Moreover, during sentencing, through his legal representative, he requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence, arguing that he is a first-time offender and that he has three minor children that he needs to take care of. He added that he has been in custody for over a year and that his pleading guilty demonstrated remorse. However, state prosecutor Phumlani Nkalanga argued that the man is convicted of a very serious offence that is prevalent in the court’s jurisdiction and a pandemic in our country. He further added that the child was traumatised and hurt by someone who was in a position of trust and that the man was supposed to protect the child, as he also has minor children. Nkalanga also handed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) facilitated by the Court Preparation Officer (CPO) Thembeka Dlamini, where the mother of the child expressed how this tragedy has impacted the child, as she is now emotionally unwell and experiencing nightmares at night. She added how the family has been hugely affected as they had to relocate to a different area since the man was their neighbour. Therefore, Nkangala asked the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and impose a sentence that will send a strong message to the community.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Vusimuzi Petrus Mweli agreed with the state that even though the man is a first-time offender he is convicted of a very serious offence. Furthermore, he said that the VIS shows the court how the child is seriously affected and traumatised by what happened to her, and how this offence has scared her for life. “The personal circumstances of the accused individually or cumulatively do not constitute exceptional and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing the minimum sentence of life imprisonment”, he said.
The NPA commends the vigilance of the victim’s mother, whose swift action led to the accused’s arrest, and the hospital staff who facilitated police involvement. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren praised Prosecutor Phumalani Nkalanaga, stating, “This sentence sends a clear message: the NPA prioritises GBV cases, especially those targeting vulnerable children, and will pursue justice relentlessly.” The NPA’s Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) ensure critical psychosocial support for the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach. The NPA urges families and communities to remain vigilant, report suspected abuse promptly, and support survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. This case highlights the critical role of parents in recognising signs of abuse and acting decisively.
The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children’s constitutional rights to dignity and safety are upheld, and perpetrators face the full might of the law.
Issued by:
Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division: Pretoria
lmahanjana@npa.gov.za
073 002 0000