NPA SECURES TWO LIFE SENTENCES FOR MAN CONVICTED OF RAPE AND MURDER OF SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the successful prosecution and sentencing of 21-year-old Sifiso George Sibiloane, who was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment by the Breyten High Court for the rape and murder of six-year-old Princess Rossouw. The conviction relates to an incident that occurred on 7 March 2026 at Syferfontein Farm in the Nkangala District. The accused and the deceased were neighbours. On the day of the incident, the child visited the accused's residence intending to play with other children. Sibiloane lured her into his room by promising her sweets in exchange for sexual intercourse before taking her to a nearby maize field, where he raped and strangled her.
Following the commission of the offences, Sibiloane handed himself over to the police and participated in a pointing-out.
During court proceedings, the accused pleaded guilty and admitted that his conduct was unlawful and punishable by law. Through his legal representative, he further admitted that the victim had told him she was in pain and intended to report the incident to her parents. Fearing the consequences of his actions, he panicked and throttled her to death before fleeing the scene and leaving her body in the maize field.
State Advocate Amos Mtshweni argued that the murder of the child following the rape aggravated the seriousness of the offences and demonstrated a complete disregard for human life. He further submitted that the accused's actions had not only deprived an innocent child of her life but had also shattered the trust and relationship that existed between the two families. Advocate Mtshweni urged the court to impose a sentence that reflected the gravity of the offences and delivered justice for the victim and her family.
In aggravation of sentence, the State presented Victim Impact Statements compiled by the victim's parents and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Khethiwe Mathebula. The statements detailed the devastating emotional, psychological, and financial consequences suffered by the family following the loss of their daughter. The parents described Princess as a loving, vibrant child who enjoyed singing and brought joy to those around her.
The State also presented a photo album depicting the crime scene, together with the post-mortem report, which confirmed that the cause of death was strangulation.
The court sentenced Sibiloane to life imprisonment for rape and a further life imprisonment for murder. In addition, the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, declared him unsuitable to work with children, and confirmed his automatic disqualification from possessing a firearm.
The NPA welcomes the sentence as a clear affirmation of the courts' commitment to protecting children and imposing severe penalties on perpetrators of violent crimes against the most vulnerable members of society. The outcome serves as a reminder that those who prey on children will be pursued relentlessly and held fully accountable for their actions.
The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of sexual offences and gender-based violence and to safeguarding the rights and dignity of children.
Issued by:
Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson
DPP Mpumalanga