MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF HIS DAUGHTER'S FRIEND
04 August 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF HIS DAUGHTER'S FRIEND
The Ermelo Regional Court has sentenced Abraham Cronjé (41) to life imprisonment for the rape of his daughter's friend in 2024. The accused pleaded guilty to the offence and was subsequently convicted of rape. The accused's daughter and the victim were both 16 years old when the incident occurred.
On 25 March 2024, the victim visited the accused's daughter and had a sleepover at the accused's house in Ermelo. In the evening the victim and her friend went to a local pub to consume alcohol and were later joined by the accused. The friends became intoxicated and the accused took them home. When they arrived at the accused's home, they fell asleep on the couches. During the night the accused took the victim to his bedroom and raped her. The accused's daughter witnessed the accused taking the victim to his bed and saw the victim in the accused's bed. The victim reported the rape ordeal at Ermelo Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical, psychological support and legal assistance.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Chané Rothman handed in two Victim Impact Statements facilitated by the Court Preparation Officer Faith Masingo, compiled by the victim and the accused's daughter. The victim stated that she suffered a severe depressive episode and even tried to commit suicide. The accused's daughter blamed herself and wished that it had happened to her, not her best friend.
Prosecutor Rothman argued that the accused was in a position of trust as the victim's parents permitted her to visit and sleep over, stating that the accused was supposed to reprimand the victim and her friend about underage drinking and that his actions were despicable. Further to that, Prosecutor Rothman pointed out the prevalence of sexual offences in the court's jurisdiction, and that women and children need to be protected. The court found no compelling and substantial circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life. The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was declared unfit to possess a firearm, unsuitable to work with children and ordered the accused's name to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The National Prosecuting Authority remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law and deliver Justice to victims of sexual violence. Ends.
Issued by:
Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson
DPP Mpumalanga
013 0450625 0764855446