THE sentencing to 18 years behind bars of a man in his mid-forties for raping a seven-year-old girl living with mental health issues, has pushed the investigating officer of the case to urge mothers to always be alert and vigilant.

Warrant Officer Ethel Ndlovu of the Pinetown SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), who was profiled by the Highway Mail in commemoration of Women’s Month, celebrating those who make a difference in their communities, said the situation of the rape of and violence against children is so dire that it is imperative that parents, especially mothers, remain vigilant at all times.

Ndlovu sounded the alarm after a case culminated in a guilty verdict and 18-year sentence handed down in early August to a man who raped a seven-year-old child in the Hillcrest area in 2024.

During a nightshift in May last year, Ndlovu responded to a call in the Hillcrest area where a mother reported that a “funny” limp in how her seven-year-old daughter walked alerted her to something amiss. Upon questioning the child, the mother learnt of the rape by a neighbour in his mid-forties.

Ndlovu said upon further probing, the child revealed that while she and her friend were playing outside the perpetrator called them to his residence and gave the victim’s friend a sweet so that she would leave.

The friend later confirmed this with the police as Ndlovu diligently carried out her investigation.

Also read: Volunteers beautify Westville SAPS entrance

Ndlovu said DNA evidence positively linked the victim and the man, who was arrested the following morning after the rape had been reported to the police late at night.

“We found that he had removed and washed the sheets and blankets where he had raped the child but I am pleased that justice was served,” said Ndlovu.

On the dire state of affairs when it comes to gender-based violence, including cases where children are victims, Ndlovu said more work still needs to be done to reach even the most ignorant in order to conscientise them.

Parents, she added, have a critical role to play in being constantly vigilant about their children’s whereabouts.

“Parents must not be content that their child is playing with a friend at a friend’s place these days. Parents should also desist from sending their children to the tuckshops alone, especially when it is getting dark, which places their children in great danger. I think that parents need to be more vigilant with their children, and when washing them check their underwear for red spots or something out of place. Sometimes children are scared of speaking out, that is why parents must always be on their toes,” advised Ndlovu.

Pinetown SAPS communications officer Jennifer Naidu said: “As we commemorate Women’s Month, it is important to shine a light on the incredible work done by women like Warrant Officer Ethel Ndlovu, who not only fights for justice but also raises awareness to protect our most vulnerable. I have personally been part of a few awareness programmes with her and have seen first-hand how passionate and vocal she is in educating, informing, and enlightening the community. In the cases she handles, she works tirelessly and with dedication, often securing convictions, including record-breaking sentences such as over 400 years in a child pornography case and 43 years in a case where a neighbour killed a child in Pinetown. Even when her court duties demand her presence, her passion for awareness remains unwavering, showing how deeply she cares about protecting children and empowering parents.”

Naidu commented that Ndlovu’s courage, skill, and record of success embody the true spirit of service and compassion that Women’s Month celebrates.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.