NPA SECURES TWO LIFE SENTENCES FOR TUCKSHOP OWNER WHO RAPED TWO GIRLS

FICKSBURG, FREE STATE: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured two life sentences against 53-year-old tuckshop owner Kamal Ebrahim for the rape of two girls, aged seven and eight.

The Bethlehem Regional Court sentenced Ebrahim to life imprisonment on each of the two counts of rape arising from offences committed in Ficksburg on 26 January 2020.

Ebrahim, originally from Lesotho, was a neighbour and family friend of both victims and operated a tuckshop in their community. He therefore enjoyed a position of trust and familiarity with the children.

The matter was reported after the victims disclosed the abuse to the sister of one of the victims. The case was subsequently investigated by Detective Sergeant Thabiso Kobeli of the Ficksburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

Ebrahim initially pleaded guilty to both rape charges on 16 October 2024, but the pleas were later changed to not guilty after he stated that he had been under the influence of drugs at the time. He was also referred for a 30-day psychiatric evaluation after experiencing difficulties providing proper instructions to his legal representative and was subsequently declared fit to stand trial.

The State proceeded with the prosecution and secured convictions on both counts.

During sentencing proceedings, Prosecutor Vusumuzi Nhlapo urged the court to impose life imprisonment on each count, arguing that the offences were exceptionally serious. He emphasised that Ebrahim had shown no remorse, failed to accept responsibility and had abused a position of trust to prey on vulnerable children.

Magistrate Bilala Mitha accepted the State’s submissions and sentenced Ebrahim to life imprisonment on each count.

The NPA welcomes the sentence and remains resolute in its pursuit of justice for children who are victims of sexual violence.

Those who prey on children and exploit positions of trust must know that the NPA will pursue these cases relentlessly and place the strongest available evidence before the courts to ensure that offenders are held accountable.

The NPA commends the prosecutor and investigating officer whose work contributed to the successful prosecution. We further urge communities to report suspected abuse of children promptly so that victims can receive support and perpetrators can be brought to justice.

Issued by:

 Mojalefa Senokoatsane

 NPA Regional Spokesperson

 Free State Division