Mpumalanga police have welcomed the five-year direct imprisonment sentence handed to a 19-year-old by the Boschfontein Regional Court on Monday, August 3, for rape.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, the court heard that during the early hours of September 25, 2022, the victim, who was 13 years old at the time, was asleep with her four younger siblings at their parental home in Schoemansdal Trust, while their parents were away.

“It was established that the accused unlawfully entered the house and threatened the victim, warning her not to scream or he would kill her. He then assaulted her by slapping her across the face. The accused briefly left the house, claiming that he was going to fetch a firearm, before returning and forcing the victim to accompany him to a nearby bush, where he raped her,” she said.

Nonyane-Mpe said the court established that the accused unlawfully entered the house and threatened the victim, warning her not to scream or he would kill her, before assaulting her by slapping her across the face.

“The accused briefly left the house, claiming he was going to fetch a firearm, before returning and forcing the victim to accompany him to a nearby bush, where he raped her,” she said.

Passer-by interrupts attack

Nonyane-Mpe added that a passer-by heard the victim crying for help and immediately went to investigate.

On seeing the witness, the accused fled the scene, leaving behind his trousers.

She said the witness assisted the victim and alerted members of the Community Police Forum (CPF). “The trousers were recognised as belonging to the accused.

The accused was subsequently arrested with the help of members of the CPF. At the time the offence was committed, the accused was 15 years old,” said Nonyane-Mpe.

FCS unit secures conviction

Following the arrest, the docket was transferred to the Tonga Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, where dedicated detectives conducted a meticulous investigation.

Through their tireless efforts, they gathered the necessary evidence, compiled a comprehensive case docket and worked closely with the prosecution, ultimately securing the successful conviction and sentencing of the accused.

Following the successful prosecution, the Boschfontein Regional Court sentenced the accused to five years’ direct imprisonment.

The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.