UNCLE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING HIS MINOR NIECE

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life sentence imposed by the Durban Regional Court on a 39-year-old man following his conviction for raping his minor niece on diverse occasions. 

The offences were committed between 2020 and 2023 in the Seaview and Merebank areas. The complainant was nine years old when the abuse began.

The accused, a Zimbabwean national, was also convicted of contravening the Immigration Amendment Act 13 of 2011.

Evidence presented in court revealed that the accused was the complainant’s maternal uncle and he lived with her family. He raped her during that time. Even after the complainant and her family moved to another area, the accused found opportunities to be alone with her and rape her.

The matter came to light in 2025, when the complainant confided in her teacher. The matter was reported to the police, and the complainant was taken to hospital for medical assistance. The accused was subsequently arrested.

In court, Prosecutor Tanuja Bechan led the evidence of the complainant, her teacher, a relative, and the medical doctor who examined the complainant.

Bechan also handed in a Victim Impact Statement compiled by the complainant and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Mbali Komane. The complainant said that she had been a bubbly person before the abuse, but that she had changed. She described feeling angry all the time and depressed.

The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and two years’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Amendment Act. He was declared unfit to possess a firearm, and the court 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 sexually violated a child he should have protected.

Children are among the most vulnerable members of our community and must be protected from all forms of abuse.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KwaZulu-Natal Division