MAN SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS FOR RAPING GIRLFRIEND’S 10-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER

Pretoria, Gauteng – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the two life sentences imposed by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on a 43-year-old man from Olievenhoutbosch following his conviction on two counts of raping his girlfriend’s 10-year-old daughter. In addition, the man was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The court ordered the 10-year sentence to run concurrently with the second life sentence. His name was also ordered to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

In May 2020, the victim’s mother travelled to Venda to visit family and left the child at her uncle’s residence in Olievenhoutbosch. On the same day, the man collected the child and took her to the home he shared with her mother in the same area.

Later that day, the man took the child from her bedroom to his bedroom, where he undressed and raped her. He thereafter threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the abuse. The following day, after returning from work, the man showed the child a toy gun, dragged her into his bedroom, undressed her and raped her again. The second rape occurred despite the child having sustained injuries to her private parts during the previous assault. On 19 December 2020, while the victim was visiting her aunt in Diepsloot, the man arrived at the residence to collect her so that they could travel to Venda. When the child saw him at the gate, she began crying and disclosed the sexual abuse to her aunt. The matter was reported to the police on the same day. Following investigations, the man was arrested at his residence on 22 January 2021. He remained in custody after the NPA successfully opposed his application for bail.

During the trial, the man pleaded not guilty and denied committing the offences. However, State Prosecutor Advocate Corrine Sam presented compelling evidence, including the testimony of the victim, which proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

During sentencing proceedings, the man asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, submitting that the he was a first-time offender and had four minor children who were dependent on him. Adv Sam opposed the request, arguing that the offences were extremely serious and that the man had abused a position of trust. He took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability and the absence of her mother to sexually violate a child who regarded him as a father figure. Adv Sam further argued that the man persisted with the sexual abuse the following day despite the injuries the child had sustained during the first rape. Adv Sam submitted that the man had shown no remorse for his actions and had instead provided different versions of what had occurred.

Adv Sam also presented a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Chadd Wentzel. Through the statement, the victim described the profound impact the abuse had on her life, including difficulties trusting others, feelings of self-blame and the emotional trauma of having been violated by someone she regarded as a father figure.

In imposing sentence, the court agreed with the State that the man had shown no remorse and had grossly abused the trust placed in him by the victim’s mother and uncle. The court found that he had exploited the vulnerability of the child and had acted cruelly by using a toy gun to instil fear in her before raping her. The court further emphasised the responsibility of the courts to impose sentences that protect women and children and send an unequivocal message that sexual violence will not be tolerated. The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances warranting a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence and imposed two terms of life imprisonment for the rape convictions.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of gender-based violence and sexual offences against children. Prosecutors will continue to present strong cases before the courts, ensure that the voices and experiences of victims are heard, and advocate for sentences that reflect the gravity of these crimes.

The identity of the convicted person has been withheld to protect the identity of the child victim.

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria