TONGA – A 35-year-old man who sodomised a 14-year-old boy in December, 2014 was in shock when magistrate, Edgar Moletsane, gave him a harsh sentence last Wednesday.

The suspect, Mr Nkosinathi Shabangu from Steenbok was sentenced to life imprisonment with an additional seven years for assault.

Mpumalanga News learned that Shabangu also stabbed the father of the victim with a knife.

The police took swift action as the suspect was arrested the day after the incident had occurred and the young boy was rushed to Tonga hospital for treatment and counselling.

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A DNA test was taken and the results came back positive, linking Shabangu to the crime.

This publication learned that after receiving a bail of R1 000, he attempted to escape. The police, however, managed to detain him after a lengthy search.

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The Tonga police station was applauded for their dedication and commitment in ensuring that justice was served.