The law has again proved that it has no mercy on men who prey on minors to satisfy their sexual desires after a 36-year-old man was sentenced to a direct 20 years’ imprisonment.
The sentencing on Monday, May 12 at the Giyani Regional Court in the Mopani District of Limpopo follows a rape incident involving the man’s 11-year-old stepdaughter on a number of occasions last year.
Incident started in 2024
According to law enforcement, the first incident took place on Wednesday, May 28 2024. The victim was with the convicted suspect, whose identity is withheld to protect the minor. They were both inside the house at Giyani Section F while her mother was on night duty at her workplace.
The court noted that the accused had sexual intercourse with the victim. The next day, he requested his wife to arrange a family meeting because he had a burning issue that should be addressed in front of the family members.
The meeting was arranged. At then meeting, the accused revealed that he had sexual intercourse with the child. He also revealed that it was not for the first time.
Arrest follows confession
The local social workers were informed about the matter. They advised the victim’s mother to report it to the local police. A rape case was immediately opened, and the man was arrested on the same day.
Limpopo Police Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the court verdict. He said it will remove the convicted rapist from society.
Meanwhile, the Limpopo SAPS Provincial Taxi Violence Investigation Unit is investigating a deadly shooting incident. The incident occurred at a food outlet in Musina Extension 2 near the Zimbabwean Beit Bridge border. It took place over this past weekend.
Police have since opened three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder cases at Musina Police Station.
Taxi violence
According to reports, three people were killed in the incident. They include a 35- and 36-year-old member of the Beitbridge Taxi Association, as well as a 24-year-old suspect.
A fourth person sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
Preliminary investigations reveal that members of the taxi association were seated at the food outlet when unknown assailants approached and opened fire. During the attack, a male victim who was hit by stray bullets managed to return fire with his licensed firearm. He fatally wounded one suspect, while another escaped. The 25-year-old suspect has been identified.
Police recovered a firearm with ammunition believed to belong to the deceased suspect. Several cartridges and fragments were recovered from the scene.
Police condemn killing
“We condemn this cold-blooded killing in the strongest possible terms,” said the provincial commissioner.
“While the motive behind the attack is not yet confirmed, taxi-related violence cannot be ruled out. I have ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to ensure the remaining suspects are swiftly brought to justice.”
