The Randburg Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Gift Mahlangu (35) to two terms of life imprisonment after repeatedly raping two minor girls, aged seven and eight.

He was arrested at the local police station where he wanted to open a case against community members.

The two girls were playing on a soccer field in Diepsloot in Gauteng when they were accosted by Mahlangu, explained National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.

“He took them to a nearby bush area, where he threatened them [as he] claimed to be carrying a gun. Mahlangu smeared sand over their faces and proceeded to rape them. On their way home the victims met community members and relayed their ordeal.

“The parents and the community members mobilised and assaulted the accused and that is when he fled to the nearest police station to open a case of assault against the community members.”

The community explained to the police what had happened.

State prosecutor Given Mbedzi argued that the accused’s version that his ex-girlfriend framed him by inserting his semen onto one of the minors should be rejected by the court as the girls testified truthfully and without contradictions.

In the absence of any extenuating factors, Mbedzi pleaded with the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence of life imprisonment.

Mahlangu was also sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for kidnapping and a further two years for contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

Magistrate Gail Pretorius ordered that he was unsuitable to work with children and his name be entered into the national register of sex offenders.

“The NPA commends Mbedzi and the investigating officer for ensuring that Mahlangu does not go unpunished for his inhuman crimes against vulnerable children,” Mjonondwane added.