LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST
16 FEBRUARY 2026
LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST
The Scottburgh Regional Court has sentenced a 43-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of a minor girl on diverse occasions between 2021 and 2022 in Zwelisha, situated on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast. The complainant was 10 years old at the time of the offences. The complainant knew the accused, as he was in a relationship with her mother. During the period 2021 to 2022, the accused would take the complainant to his house, which was near her home, where he raped her. He threatened to kill both the complainant and her mother if she disclosed the abuse.
In December 2022, after another incident, the complainant went to her friend’s house, where they were meant to play. She confided in her friend that the accused had been raping her. The complainant also informed her friend’s mother, who then contacted the complainant’s mother. The complainant was taken to a nearby medical facility for examination and assistance. The matter was reported to the police, and the accused was subsequently arrested.
During the trial, Prosecutor Thanusha Govender led the testimonies of the complainant, her mother, the friend, and the friend’s mother. The medical doctor who examined the complainant confirmed that her clinical findings were consistent with the allegations of repeated sexual assault.
In aggravation of the sentence, the complainant’s mother testified that the offences had a severe emotional impact on the child. The complainant struggles to concentrate at school, displays fear, and has developed anger towards men. The accused was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. Furthermore, the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and the Child Protection Register.
The National Prosecuting Authority hopes that sentences of this nature will serve as a deterrent. Members of society have a responsibility to protect children. In this matter, the accused abused a position of trust and authority. The NPA remains committed to ensuring justice for victims of crime.
Issued by:
Natasha Ramkisson
NPA Regional Spokesperson
KZN Division
071 670 0229