A 60-year-old man has been sentenced to life in jail by the Lenyenye regional court for the rape of a six-year-old girl.
He also received an additional two-year sentence for breaching immigration regulations.
The accused, who cannot be identified to protect the underage girl, is the step-grandfather to the rape victim.
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in Limpopo, said the accused pleaded not guilty during trial.
The court heard that on January 1 2020 in Topanama village, the accused was sleeping on the veranda with the victim and her grandmother when he forced himself on the girl.
“The grandmother did not hear or see anything as she was heavily drunk. The accused was caught by the victim’s uncle, who called the police,” said Malabi Dzhangi.
“State prosecutor Pearl Ledwaba led the evidence of the eyewitness and medical reports that confirmed the victim was raped.
“In aggravation of sentence, Ledwaba submitted that children are the most vulnerable members of society, and they need protection.
“She then said the state is duty-bound to protect those children to live in a safe environment by removing the perpetrators of crimes from the community.
“She further submitted that there are no substantial or compelling circumstances for the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence.”
The court agreed with the state and sentenced the accused to life imprisonment. The NPA hopes all the would-be offenders will be deterred from committing similar offences.
“We are pleased with the good work done by prosecutor Ledwaba and investigating officer Matome Ramatseba from the Tzaneen family violence and child protection unit,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
