By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za

The Pretoria High Court sitting in Benoni, sentenced Ntokozo Khulekani Zikhali (28), from Brakpan to one life term for rape of a 9-year-old girl.

According to NPA spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, on 08 August 2021, the minor was playing with her friends in the park in Tamboville, when Zikhali approached her, picked her up and took her to a dam, where he raped her and ran away.

Zikhali was linked to this offence through DNA evidence.

“In court, he pleaded guilty to the charges; however asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence.

The prosecutor, Advocate Eric Sihlangu, read to the record the Victim Impact Statement prepared by the social worker, that the child suffered as a result of what Zikhali did, and that she was unable to cope at school, but has since received counselling.

“Furthermore, Sihlangu told the court that Zikhali committed a serious offence and that the surge of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country has reached an unacceptable level,” Mahanjana.

Mahanjana added that over and above that, Zikhali showed no remorse. She said he only pleaded guilty because the state had overwhelming evidence against him.

“He (Sihlangu) therefore asked the court to impose a sentence of life imprisonment.

“The NPA welcomes the sentence and that such a dangerous offender against children will be taken away from society for a long time,” she said.