Free State businessman Kamal Ibrahim has been sentenced to two life terms in prison for raping three minor girls.
Ibrahim, 53, was operating a tuck shop in Caledon Park near Ficksburg in the eastern Free State when he committed the offences against the three minors, aged 9, 11 and 13 in January, 2020.
He was arrested by the Ficksburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit after being accused of raping young girls at his spaza shop.
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Abuse uncovered after victim speaks out
According to the Free State police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, the convicted rapist gave his victims sweets from his shop after he had raped them.
“The crimes came to light when one of the victims eventually disclosed the abuse to her parent, who reported the matter to the police. The accused was subsequently arrested and remained in custody while awaiting trial. DNA results, which were received during the court proceedings, positively linked him to the crime,” said Mophiring.
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Court imposes life sentences
Last week Friday, Ibrahim appeared before the Bethlehem Regional Court, where he was convicted and sentenced to two life terms of imprisonment. The court also ordered that the rapist be registered in the National Register for Sex Offenders and that he was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The case was investigated by Detective Sergeant Thabiso Kobeli of the Ficksburg FCS Unit.
Police welcome outcome
Mophiring said that Free State provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Thabang Lesia, welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer and the prosecution team for their dedication in ensuring that justice was served.
“Lt-Gen Lesia reiterated that the police would leave no stone unturned in addressing crimes against women and children. He urged victims of sexual abuse and other forms of violence to break their silence and report such incidents to their nearest police station,” said Mophiring.
- Kamal Ibrahim, a 53-year-old Free State businessman, was sentenced to two life terms for raping three minor girls aged 9, 11, and 13.
- The offences occurred in January 2020 at Ibrahim's tuck shop in Caledon Park near Ficksburg in the eastern Free State.
- Ibrahim was arrested after one victim disclosed the abuse to a parent, leading to a police report, and DNA evidence linked him to the crimes.
- The Bethlehem Regional Court also ordered Ibrahim to be registered in the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared unfit to possess a firearm.
- Free State provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Thabang Lesia praised the investigation and urged victims of sexual abuse to report incidents to the police.
