TZANEEN – A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the rape of his 10-year-old cousin in Letsitele.

The court heard that the accused was visiting his uncle in April 2016. He slept in the same room as the victim and her younger brother, but on separate beds. At some point during the night, while the children were asleep, the accused covered the victim’s mouth and raped her. He fled the next day.

The victim confided in her brother about the incident, and the 5-year-old told their mother, which led to the matter being reported.

Police opened a rape case, and Sergeant Klaas Mulungwa from the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit was assigned to investigate. In May 2016, Sergeant Mulungwa was able to apprehend the suspect.

The accused made several court appearances and was later granted bail until his sentencing on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court.

“This serves as a warning to other criminals that crimes involving children will not be tolerated in Limpopo province, and I appreciate the court’s decision in this matter,” said provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.