LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST UNCLE 

29 AUGUST 2025 

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST UNCLE 

The Madadeni Regional Court has sentenced a 39-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of his niece in March 2024. The incident occurred in the Osizweni area. The accused and the complainant (who was 10 years old at the time) lived together with other family members. On the day of the offence, the complainant’s granny asked her to switch on the lights in one of the rooms in the yard. The accused followed the complainant to the room, and once there, he locked that room door and raped her. He threatened her not to report the incident, and out of fear, the complainant did not tell anyone what he had done. 

A few days later, the complainant’s granny noticed that the complainant had difficulty walking. When approached, the complainant confided in her granny that the accused had raped her. The granny then reported this to the complainant’s mother. The complainant was taken to the Madadeni Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) for the necessary support. A case was subsequently opened, and the accused was arrested. 

In court, Prosecutor Scelo Hlela led the testimony of the complainant and her mother (the granny had passed away before the start of the trial). Mr. Hlela also led the testimony of a relative who was at the complainant’s house on the day of the offence, as well as the doctor who examined the complainant at the TCC. The accused was sentenced accordingly, and the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm. In addition, the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. 

This sentence underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes against the most vulnerable members of our society. The NPA remains resolute in our pursuit of justice for victims of gender-based violence and child abuse. 

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara 

NPA Regional Spokesperson 

KZN Division 

0716700229