The Giyani Regional Court in Limpopo has sentenced a 32-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of his 14-year-old neighbour in 2022.

Letaba Herald reports that the sentence was handed down on Friday after the court heard how, on the evening of October 1, 2022, the victim walked home after a soccer tournament in Mbaula Village.

On her way, she encountered her neighbour and his friend.

The neighbour grabbed her by the hand. When she resisted, the man hit her and forced her to his friend’s home, where he raped and threatened her.

The accused also made ‘disturbing threats against her friends’, according to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.

“The victim managed to escape to her friend’s family, who took her home and then to the local clinic for medical attention.”

The matter was then reported to SAPS, where a rape case was opened and assigned to Detective Sergeant Conny Mapengo of Giyani Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

The accused was then arrested two days later. Mapengo successfully opposed bail, and the accused remained in custody until his conviction on Friday.

The accused was sentenced as follows:

• Count 1: Life imprisonment for rape
• Count 2: Six months imprisonment

The accused’s name is being withheld to protect the minor victim.

Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers welcomed the sentence and commended Detective Sergeant Conny Mapengo for her dedication and professionalism in ensuring justice for the victim.

“We encourage community members to continue reporting such crimes and assure them that SAPS remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.”

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