A rapist has been given nine life sentences at the Mankweng Regional Court outside Polokwane in Limpopo for raping his 10-year-old stepchild.
The rapist, aged 43, was also been found guilty and handed lesser sentences for assaulting his wife and the victim’s younger sister.
The convict, who cannot be named to protect the victims, committed the offences between 2015 and November 2016.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi says medical reports indicate that the mother of the children won’t be able to have more children after damage to her womb.
Malabi-Dzhangi says they welcome the sentences.
“The NPA welcomes the hefty sentences handed down by the Mankweng regional court the sentences will serve as a deterrent to abusive stepfathers to stop preying on their stepchildren. We commend Advocate Johannes Masehela and investigating officer Sergeant Chuene Selolo for outstanding work and probing the case to its finality.”
SA rape stats
In November last year, Police Minister Bheki Cele said it is a disgrace and deeply disturbing that almost 10 000 people were brutalised by crime in a space of three months.
Crime statistics for the 2021 second quarter period from the 1st July to the 30th September 2021 showed an increase of 4.7% in sexual offence cases.
Video | Cele releases crime statistics:
Reporting rape
Victims of sexual assault are urged to report the abuse within 72 hours in order to receive medication that prevents being infected with HIV/AIDS.
Below are some steps that one can take after a sexual assault:
