The Nkandla Regional Court has sentenced a 43-year-old man, to three terms of life imprisonment for the rape (on several occasions) of his niece in the Nkandla area.

The man and the girl lived in the same house, and he started raping her in 2013 when she was only seven years old. The girl did not immediately tell someone what was happening because her uncle threatened her with a knife.

She eventually confided in her aunt who then told the girl’s mother, and they reported the matter to the police. The man was arrested a few days later at his home.

Regional spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said prosecutor Philile Shilenge led the testimonies of the girl and her aunt as well as other family members in court.

The evidence of the medical doctor, who examined the girl and the contents of the J88 form were also part of the state’s case.

In a victim impact statement, the girl indicated that her uncle had ruined her life, and she now fears men. She said that her uncle was supposed to protect her but took advantage of her instead.

The man was sentenced accordingly, and the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter and is committed to pursuing justice for the victims of crime. We commend the work done by the prosecution and the police,” said Ramkisson-Kara.