LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST

02 SEPTEMBER 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST

The Durban Regional Court has sentenced a 32-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of a 14-year-old girl in the Cato Crest area in December 2024. The accused was the ex-boyfriend of the complainant’s mother. On the day of the incident, the complainant's mother left the complainant and her brother at home to watch TV and went out. At some point, the accused came to the house and asked the complainant about the whereabouts of her mother. She told him that her mother was not there. He then raped the complainant and told her not to tell anybody what he had done. He told her that if she told on him, her mother would have a heart attack and die. The complainant did not divulge what the accused had done. However, her mother noticed that although the complainant was bubbly and carefree, she had become withdrawn. The matter eventually came to light, and the accused was arrested. The complainant was taken to a hospital where she was examined by a doctor.

In court, Prosecutor Khanyi Sabelo led the evidence of the complainant, her mother and the doctor who examined the complainant. The state further handed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by the complainant and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Nondumiso Nyembe. In the VIS, the complainant said that even though she was raped, she feels as if she did something wrong. She said she feels unhappy and gets angry very quickly. Also, she said that she is not coping at school. The accused was sentenced accordingly, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm. The court also ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the life sentence handed down. It is incumbent on us to fight for justice on behalf of the victims of crime.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

0716700229