By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
A 38-year-old man from Tzaneen who raped his 11-year-old niece was sentenced to life in prison.
The life sentence was handed down by the Tzaneen Regional Court on Monday, 22 July 2024
The man committed the act between September 2021 and February 2022 at Marinoni village.
During the court trial, it was found that the perpetrator would drag his niece to his house next door and raped her inside his bedroom without anyone noticing.
The victim disclosed the ordeal to her 20-year-old sister, who reported the incident to their father, but he turned a blind eye to the situation.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the courageous sister attempted to take the child to the local police station, but the accused threatened to kill them both after he found out.
“The victim reported to her sister again that the accused is still sexually abusing her and that he is giving her small cash after each ordeal.
“That’s when she advised the victim to report the matter to her teacher. Police were notified, and a case of rape was registered and then transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit,” said Ledwaba.
The investigating officer Sergeant Glenda Mathebula commenced with investigations, and the suspect was apprehended. Bail was successfully opposed until the accused was convicted and sentenced.
“We hope that this verdict brings some measure of justice and closure to the young survivor and those affected,” Mathebula said.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended “the bravery and resilience of the young survivor, who has shown incredible strength in the face of unimaginable trauma”.
“We also applaud the dedication and professionalism of our detectives, prosecutors, and other officials who worked tirelessly to bring this perpetrator to justice,” concluded Hadebe.
