A 48-YEAR-OLD MAN FROM SEKGOSESE SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR STATUTORY RAPE OF A 13-YEAR-OLD NEIGHBOUR

A 48-year-old man from Sekgosese whose names cannot be revealed for the protection of the victim’s identity was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment at the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 12 April 2024.

The sentence follows after the court found him guilty of raping and impregnating his 13-year-old neighbour in 2017.

The incident came to light after the victim’s mother realised that she was pregnant. The victim then disclosed to her that she was raped by her neighbour.

Therefore, a case of statutory rape was opened and assigned to Sergeant Vutomi Precious Nkuna attached to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Giyani. Once the child was born, DNA tests were conducted which confirmed that the accused was the child’s father

The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm and that his particulars be included in the sex offenders register.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentence. She further indicated that this inhumane act is one amongst many that prompts the FCS Unit members to go above and beyond in putting a stop to all atrocious crimes.