A 33-year-old man was handed a life sentence by the Pinetown Regional Court in KZN for the continued rape of his 13-year-old neighbour between 2012 to 2016.

The incidents had taken place in the Mariannhill area where the man was a tenant at the complainant’s home, having resided in the adjoining building.

The girl and her siblings were often left in his care when both parents were away – either working night shifts or visiting family and friends.

The man used these instances as an opportunity to rape the girl on a multitude of occasions until she eventually fell pregnant.

Since he worked at a clinic, he had arranged for the girl to terminate her pregnancy before her parents could find out, however, the procedure ended in the girl becoming sick and being taken to the hospital. It was then that her parents discovered that she had been pregnant.

The girl then told her mother that she was being raped by the man, and he was subsequently arrested.

The girl was taken to the Chatsworth Thuthuleza Care Centre, where she received counselling, psychosocial services, and support. The matter was successfully prosecuted by advocate Simphiwe Magagula.

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter. We commend the work done by the prosecution and SAPS,” says Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the regional NPA spokesperson.