LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR A RAPIST

25 SEPTEMBER 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR A RAPIST

The Vryheid Magistrates Court has sentenced a 56-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of a 13-year-old girl in the Hlobane area of Vryheid in December 2020. The accused was known to the complainant as he was her aunt’s boyfriend. Before the incident, the complainant went to visit her aunt and stayed over. On the day of the incident, the complainant’s aunt left to attend a meeting, and the accused went to work (he cut trees in the forest). The complainant stayed at the house together with the accused’s children. At some point, the accused’s children went to another homestead, leaving her alone in the house. When the accused returned home, he found her alone and raped her. Following the incident, the complainant went back home and told her mother about the incident a few months later. They then reported the matter to the police. Following investigations, the accused was arrested.

In court, Prosecutor Ncumisa Ntanjana handed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by the complainant and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Bhekithemba Hopewell Sithole. In her statement, the complainant said that the incident had traumatised her and she still experiences flashbacks. She also stated that she has been mentally and academically affected. She said she trusted the accused and considered him to be a father figure.

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

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter. Together with our partners in law enforcement, we will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of all children.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

0716700229