MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF HIS 16-YEAR-OLD NIECE

Carolina, Mpumalanga – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Carolina Magistrates’ Court to a 23-year-old man for the rape of his 16-year-old niece. The accused, whose name is being withheld to protect the victim from secondary victimisation, was sentenced following an incident that occurred on 5 February 2023 in Silobela, Carolina. The victim and the accused, who are related, resided in separate homes.

On the day of the incident, the accused visited the victim’s residence and found her alone washing dishes. He took her to a bedroom, raped her, and threatened her not to tell anyone before fleeing the scene.

A few days later, teachers at the victim’s school noticed significant changes in her behaviour and a sharp decline in her academic performance. When questioned, the victim wrote a letter to her class teacher expressing suicidal thoughts. Social workers were immediately called in, and during counselling, the victim disclosed that she had been raped by her uncle and threatened not to report the incident.

The victim’s mother was informed, and the matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused.

During the trial, the accused denied the charges and claimed he was with a friend at the time of the incident. However, State Prosecutor Makhosonke Mashinini presented compelling evidence, including testimony from the victim, the social worker, and the victim’s mother.

In addressing the court, Prosecutor Mashinini emphasised the prevalence of rape cases in the jurisdiction, the vulnerability of children, and the serious breach of trust by a family member. He also highlighted the accused’s lack of remorse. A pre-sentence report confirmed that the victim continues to suffer from depression, irritability, and discomfort in the presence of males.

In delivering the sentence, the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence. The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. The court further ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, declared him unsuitable to work with children, and unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority commends the victim for her courage and resilience in testifying in court despite the threats made against her. Her bravery was instrumental in securing this conviction. The NPA also appreciates the vital role played by the social worker in ensuring the matter was promptly reported.

The NPA remains committed to fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and holding perpetrators accountable.

Ends

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP: Mpumalanga