The Ermelo regional court has sentenced Wonderboy Liberty Mncina (40) of Mpumalanga to life in prison for the rape of a seven-year-old boy.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane said Mncina was sentenced on Thursday.
The victim, a seven-year-old boy, was sleeping at home with his father on July 7, 2023, at around 4am, when the accused, a family friend, knocked on the door and asked to stay the night, according to Ndubane.
“The victim’s father offered the accused to sleep over, letting him share the child’s room while he slept in another room,” Ndubane said.
“It is alleged that the accused, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, forcefully undressed the victim, raped him, and muffled his cries with a cushion.
“On the same day, at about 8am, the victim reported the incident to his father. The father then confronted the accused; however, the accused denied all allegations.”
Courage of young victim praised
Ndubane reported that they took the victim to the closest clinic, where medical staff confirmed the sexual assault through a forensic examination.
“The suspect was later traced and arrested on July 17, 2023, and charged with rape. The investigating officer successfully opposed bail when the accused attended court while in custody.
“A prosecution secured a conviction based on strong circumstantial evidence and the credible testimony of the victim.
“The investigating officer employed rigorous investigative techniques, meticulously gathering all necessary information to definitively establish the accused’s guilt.”
He said the court also declared Mncina unfit to possess a firearm, in line with legal provisions for convictions involving sexual assault.
Acting Mpumalanga provincial police commissioner Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi welcomed the judgment, stating that it “demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the SAPS [SA Police Service] and judiciary to protect women and children and bring perpetrators to justice”.
Mkhwanazi praised the “moral courage of the young victim” and the “professionalism of the investigative team”.
Raped on way back from a tavern
In the meantime, the Mkobola regional court in Mpumalanga on Thursday found 32-year-old Bongani Norman Moyo guilty of rape and common robbery and sentenced him to 20 years in prison.
“According to the information, the victim alleged that on September 4, 2020, at approximately 5.30pm, she left her home to visit Kwagga Mall.
“On her way back, she encountered a man known to her as Moses, who approached her and expressed romantic interest.
“The complainant declined his advances. He then enquired about her destination, to which she replied that she was heading to a specific tavern,” according to Ndubane.
He continued: “Later that evening, the complainant was at the tavern with two friends when she noticed the accused and his friends.
“When the tavern closed, the complainant and her friends proceeded to another tavern, where the accused followed them.
“At about 2am, the complainant realised her two friends were no longer there. The accused approached her and offered to walk her home, and she agreed.
“While walking through an open field, the accused allegedly grabbed and assaulted her. She fell to the ground, and he took off her underwear and raped her.”
Victim also robbed of R600
According to Ndubane, Moyo allegedly stole R600 from the complainant and abandoned her at the scene following the assault.
The accused allegedly returned and raped the complainant once more while she was still looking for her underwear, then left the scene.
Ndubane reported that authorities traced and arrested Moyo. The court found Moyo guilty of rape and sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Ndubane said that the court also found Moyo guilty of common robbery and sentenced him to 12 months’ imprisonment. In addition, the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Both sentences will run concurrently.
