ULUNDI UNCLE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING HIS NIECE

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life sentence imposed by the Ulundi Regional Court on a 32-year-old man convicted of raping his niece on multiple occasions in the Nkonjeni area of Ulundi. The offences began in 2012, when the complainant was five years old. The accused is her paternal uncle.

Evidence presented in court revealed that the accused, the complainant and her sibling lived with the complainant’s grandparents. The first rape occurred in 2012, while the complainant’s grandmother was away collecting her pension. The accused gave the complainant’s sibling money to go to the tuck shop, then raped the complainant when they were alone.

He continued to rape her on multiple occasions.

The complainant eventually told her mother about the abuse in 2020. She later testified that the accused had threatened to kill her if she told anyone what he was doing. The matter was reported to the police, and the accused was arrested at his homestead.

In court, Prosecutor Xolani Ndlela led the evidence of the complainant and her mother, who was the first person she told. Medical evidence also formed part of the State’s case.

The State handed in a Victim Impact Statement compiled by the complainant and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Bhekithemba Hopewell Sithole. The complainant said the abuse had affected her entire life. She has difficulty sleeping and is struggling academically.

The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm. The court also ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The NPA welcomes the conviction and sentence. The accused abused his position of trust and violated a child he should have protected. Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from all forms of abuse.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KwaZulu-Natal Division