LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A MINOR AT A WEDDING CEREMONY

29 July 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A MINOR AT A WEDDING CEREMONY

Polokwane, Limpopo – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence imposed by the Limpopo Polokwane High Court on a 45-year-old man from Dennilton for raping a nine-year-old girl. To protect the victim’s identity, the accused’s name is withheld. The accused pleaded not guilty.

The incident occurred on 24 December 2023 during a wedding ceremony in Dennilton, where the accused was the groom. The victim, her mother, younger sibling, and two aunts—part of the bride’s family—were offered a room to sleep at the bride’s residence after the celebration. In the early hours, the accused entered the room where the victim was sleeping, carried her to an unoccupied bedroom, and raped her. The victim’s screams for help prompted the accused to flee. Her mother found her naked and immediately reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest.

State Advocate Shirley Mawasha presented compelling evidence, including a J88 medical report, DNA evidence, and testimony from the accused’s uncle, who confirmed the accused admitted to sexually assaulting a child and expressed remorse to him. In aggravation, the prosecution argued that the accused betrayed the family’s trust, exploiting his role as a protector. His actions turned a day meant for celebration into a horror, damaging the relationship between the two families irreparably due to his greed. The state highlighted his arrogance and lack of remorse throughout the trial. The judge condemned the accused’s actions, noting that as a newlywed, he should have shared his first night with his bride, not committed an act “fit for movies, not real life.” The court emphasised that the accused knowingly took the child, left her on the floor, and fled, showing a ruthless lack of conscience. Despite DNA evidence, his arrogance persisted, and the trial left the minor and her family, who had supported him, in misery.

Aligning with the prosecution, the court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment, stressing the need to protect society, vulnerable groups, and deter similar offenders. He was declared unfit to possess a firearm, added to the National Register of Sexual Offenders, and deemed unsuitable to work with children.

The NPA welcomes this sentence, reaffirming its commitment to justice for victims of gender-based violence and the safety of communities.

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Limpopo Division

Email: mmalabi@npa.gov.za

Cell: 074 823 3608