Life Imprisonment for Rape of a Minor

25 March 2025

Life Imprisonment for Rape of a Minor

The Gqeberha Regional Court has sentenced Luvo Vuma (28) to life imprisonment for the rape of an 11-year-old girl and five years for housebreaking on 14 March 2021 in Booysens Park near Gqeberha.

The incident occurred when Vuma, a family friend, broke into the complainant’s home during the early morning hours. Vuma claimed he was there to fetch his jacket but instead raped the complainant, causing severe injuries on her private parts. The complainant was asleep with her younger sister at the time as their mother was out. The victim testified with the assistance of an intermediary, and her sister and mother, to whom she reported what happened to, also testified against Vuma.

Vuma was arrested on the same day after the incident was reported to the police. The complainant was subsequently taken to the Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical treatment and counselling.

The Regional Court Prosecutor, Advocate Kenny Van Biljon led the evidence of the complainant as well as her sister and mother who were the first reports. In his defence, Vuma claimed that the complainant’s mother had allowed him to enter the house, but the court found this version of events false and unreasonable. The court rejected Vuma’s alibi, noting that both the complainant and her sister identified him as the perpetrator. Additionally, the complainant did not fall asleep after the assault, which contradicted Vuma’s version of events which claimed that another person possibly entered the home after he left.

The court ordered that the five years run concurrently with the life sentence, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment. Additionally, his name will be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Welcoming the sentence, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, stated, "This sentence sends a strong message that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated. It reflects our commitment to tackling gender-based violence and ensuring justice for victims." He further commended the bravery of the victim and her family, who have shown incredible strength throughout the legal process.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) fully supports this sentence and reaffirms its commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring that justice is served for victims of such heinous acts.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Eastern Cape Division
Tel: 047 501 2630
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za
Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za /0682682474