UNCLE SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPING HIS NIECE

14 August 2025

UNCLE SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPING HIS NIECE

The Maluti Regional Court has sentenced Luvuyo Nobeqwa (46) to life imprisonment for the rape of his four-year-old niece during a traditional ceremony at their home in Maritseng Location, Maluti. The perpetrator and victim do not share the surname. On the night of 22 November 2024, the victim was sleeping in the uncle's room. As other people were occupied with the singing and dancing associated with the traditional ceremony, in another room in the early hours, the accused left them and went to his room, where he raped the girl. The victim was found crying by one of the ladies who was also an attendee of the ceremony. Upon being informed by the victim of what had transpired, the lady called other people. Police were summoned, and the uncle was arrested.

District court prosecutor Yolisa Dube successfully opposed bail. During the bail application accused indicated that he would plead not guilty, as he is not the one who raped the child but a sangoma from KwaBhaca. After the State received DNA results, which were collected at the Matatiele Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), the accused changed and tendered a plea of guilty. Regional court prosecutor Lubabalo Msongelwa submitted during sentencing arguments that there are no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying deviation from a prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. Magistrate Nombuso Nqwenani agreed with the state and imposed life imprisonment.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo highlighted the importance of TCCs and their role collection of forensic evidence.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630

Cell: 073 555 9292

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za