UNCLE SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS FOR RAPING HIS NIECES AND EXPOSING HIS NEPHEW TO PORNOGRAPHY
16 OCTOBER 2025
UNCLE SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS FOR RAPING HIS NIECES AND EXPOSING HIS NEPHEW TO PORNOGRAPHY
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence imposed on a 34-year-old uncle from Theresa Park, who was found guilty of multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and exposing children to pornography. The Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court sentenced him to three life terms for three counts of rape, 25 years’ direct imprisonment for five counts of sexual assault, 12 years for three counts of exposing children to pornography, 8 years for two counts of exposing children to his genitals, and 8 years for attempted rape.
The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently with the three life terms, and that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. He was also declared unfit to work with children and unfit to possess a firearm. The offences were committed between 2013 and 2018 against his two nieces and nephew. At the time of the incident the first victim was 6 years old until she was 11 years old.
For the second victim the incident started when she was 6-years-old until she was 9 years old and at the time of the incident the nephew was 6 years old. The abuse occurred when the children visited their grandparents in Theresa Park, where the accused also lived. When the grandparents were away, he would make the minors watch pornography on his phone and computer, expose his genitals to them, and rape the two nieces. On 8 April 2018, the older victim disclosed the abuse to her stepfather after being questioned about her behaviour. The two younger victims then also revealed what had happened. The matter was reported to the police, and the uncle was arrested on 12 October 2018. In court, the uncle pleaded not guilty, claiming he was being falsely accused by the victim’s mother because he had rejected her alleged romantic advances. However, Prosecutor Hanlie du Preez presented compelling evidence, including the testimonies of the three victims, proving his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
During sentencing, the defence pleaded for leniency, arguing that the uncle was a first-time offender, young, and provided financial support to his parents. However, Du Preez opposed this, stressing that the crimes were serious and prevalent, that the uncle showed no remorse, abused a position of trust, and continued to deny his offences even after conviction. She argued that his actions caused severe trauma and lasting psychological harm to the victims and urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
In handing down judgment, Magistrate Piet Nel agreed with the State, noting that the uncle showed no remorse and betrayed his role as an uncle. The magistrate emphasised that the uncle took advantage of young, vulnerable children and that the court had a duty to protect society by imposing a sentence that reflects the gravity of the offences. He found no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren, commended Du Preez for her professionalism and dedication, stating: “Each of these successful prosecutions is the culmination of months and even years of painstaking investigative and prosecutorial work and exemplifies hundreds of similar cases prosecuted successfully every day.” The NPA reiterates its call for all South Africans to unite against gender-based violence, to ensure a safe environment where children’s rights to dignity and safety are protected, and where perpetrators face the full force of the law.
Issued by:
Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division: Pretoria
073 002 0000