LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF A MINOR  

07 November 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF A MINOR  

Elukwatini, Mpumalanga – The Elukwatini Regional Court has convicted and sentenced a 28-year-old man from Mayflower to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to raping a 9-year-old girl. The accused’s name is withheld from the statement to protect the victim from secondary victimisation. The incident occurred on 26 July 2024 at Mayflower. The complainant was at home with her younger brother while their parents were away. The accused, known to the complainant, arrived and lured the victim under the pretence that her mother had sent him to fetch her. After several persuasions, the complainant eventually agreed to go with him.  

While walking, the accused deviated from the usual route to a secluded mountainous area. When the complainant inquired, he threatened her and assaulted her with open hands, forcing her to continue walking. The accused took her to a mud house containing only a mattress, where he forcibly undressed the victim and raped her. The complainant screamed for help, and her parent arrived and found her with the accused, who fled the scene, leaving his clothes behind. The victim immediately reported the ordeal to her parents and was taken to Mayflower Clinic for a medical examination. Following a police prompt investigation, the accused was arrested the next day.  

In court, the accused pleaded guilty, admitted that he had committed the crime, and acknowledged being caught in the act by the victims’ parents. The court found that the accused deliberately and intentionally lured a defenceless child from the safety of her home, where she was entitled to protection, and subjected her to a degrading and traumatic assault. A victim impact statement, compiled by the complainant with the assistance of the Court Preparation Officer Nondumiso Thwala, revealed that the victim is living in fear and is scared of men, including her male relatives. It was presented that she would never forgive the accused for what he did to her.  

During sentencing, the court found no compelling and substantial reasons to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. The court ordered the accused’s name to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, declared him unfit to possess a firearm, and unsuitable to work with children.  

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains steadfast in confronting sexual violence and ensuring justice for victims, particularly the most vulnerable. The NPA will continue to vigorously prosecute such crimes, upholding the constitutional rights to dignity and privacy.  

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga

Tel: 013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za