UNCLE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING NIECE 12 YEARS AGO
12 June 2025
UNCLE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING NIECE 12 YEARS AGO
Bloemfontein, Free State – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Bloemfontein Regional Court to a 51-year-old man for the rape of his 10-year-old niece in 2012. To protect the victim’s identity, the accused’s name is withheld. This landmark conviction, secured despite the passage of 12 years, underscores the NPA’s unwavering commitment to delivering justice for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), no matter how long ago the crime occurred.
In 2012, the accused, entrusted as a family member, betrayed his 10-year-old niece’s trust by raping her at a residence in Bloemfontein. The assault began with digital penetration before escalating to rape. Terrified and silenced by fear, the young victim did not disclose the abuse at the time, carrying the weight of her trauma for over a decade. The prolonged silence led to severe emotional distress, manifesting in troubling behaviour that persisted into her adulthood.
In August 2024, the now 21-year-old survivor, prompted by her mother’s concern, confided in a social worker during a counselling session. She revealed that her ongoing emotional struggles stemmed from the 2012 rape by her uncle. The social worker’s support enabled her to report the crime to the South African Police Service, leading to the accused’s arrest. Despite challenges such as the absence of medical evidence and the difficulty of securing reliable testimony after 12 years, the NPA pursued the case, relying on the strength of the survivor’s disclosure and corroborating evidence of her trauma.
The prosecution, led by Regional Court Prosecutor Lemohang Mohapi, presented a compelling case centred on the survivor’s testimony and the psychological impact of the abuse. In aggravation of sentence, Mohapi highlighted a critical aggravating factor: at the time of the 2012 offence, the accused was on parole for a previous rape conviction, demonstrating a pattern of predatory behavior. The court found the accused guilty, noting the betrayal of familial trust and the profound harm inflicted on the victim.
In delivering judgment, the court described the crime as a “grievous violation” of a vulnerable child, exacerbated by the accused’s prior conviction and parole status. The judge emphasised that the nature of the offence, the abuse of trust, and the accused’s recidivism left no room for leniency. Finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the mandatory minimum sentence under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, the court imposed life imprisonment, reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance against GBV.
The NPA commends the extraordinary courage of the survivor, whose decision to speak out after 12 years of silence paved the way for justice. The Free State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Navilla Somaru praised Prosecutor Lemohang Mohapi and the investigating officers for their meticulous work in overcoming the evidentiary challenges of a historical case. “This conviction sends a powerful message: it is never too late for survivors to seek justice, and the NPA will prosecute GBV cases with unrelenting resolve, regardless of when the crime occurred,” said the DPP. The NPA’s dedication to supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable strengthens public trust in the justice system.
The NPA urges survivors of GBV to come forward, no matter how much time has passed, and seek support through Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs), which provide medical, psychological, and legal assistance. This case highlights the critical role of social workers, families, and communities in recognising signs of trauma and facilitating disclosure. The NPA encourages South Africans to foster safe spaces for survivors to speak out and access justice, working together to eradicate GBV and build a safer society.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
073 423 3539