The KwaMaphumulo District Court has sentenced a 25-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping a nine-year-old child in the area in 2022. The victim and the defendant knew each other as the defendant lived with the victim’s family (names withheld to protect the victim’s reputation).
On the day of the incident, the victim’s mother went to town and left the accused with the victim and other small children.
The defendant called the victim to the house, and told the other children to go and play. The defendant was raped by the assailant, after which he told her to take a bath.
The victim’s mother came back from the city and realized that something was wrong with her child and his clothes were wet.
The victim’s mother asked her daughter, she broke down and explained the incident and revealed that the accused was not the first to do this. The victim’s mother asked the defendant but he denied.
The matter was reported to the police, the victim was taken to Stanger Thuthuzela Care Center (TCC) to receive help. The victim was eventually arrested.
Prosecutor Bongani Sibisi called witnesses including the victim and his mother who were reported first. A doctor was called who examined the victim and testified.
The Prosecutor asking for a stiff sentence, presented the victim’s statement which was edited by Sifiso Nene who is the Court Preparation Officer. Umgilwa said the incident has destroyed his desire to go to the reed festival. He said he is also struggling in school
In addition to the life sentence, the court ruled that the accused does not deserve to have a permit to carry a gun. His name will be added to the list of sex offenders.
The NPA accepts the sentence. The campaign to fight the scourge of gender violence, has entered another gear now that Thuthuzela Care Centers (TCC) have been increased across the country from 55 in 2020/2021 to 66 now. These centers are helpful for victims of sexual abuse.