Newcastle prosecutor sentenced to life for rape

National media has reported a Newcastle Magistrate’s Court prosecutor was sentenced to life in prison for raping a 13-year-old girl.

The prosecutor raped the girl while she was in his care in October 2011. His application for leave to appeal the judgement was postponed to August this year. In the meantime, he will remain in custody.

In February, the Pietermaritzburg High Court found him guilty during a sitting in the Madadeni Magistrates Court. He originally plead not guilty.

According to statements issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Director of Public Prosecutions, the sentence was proof of the zero-tolerance standpoint by the NPA, and a warning to the public, even staff members of the prosecuting authority, that those responsible for such heinous crimes would be held accountable.

On June 4, the MEC for Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal, Mrs Weziwe Thusi, expressed confidence in the justice system, following the sentencing of three child rapists in the Province.

“The sentences imposed on these rapings are a clear indication that our justice system has zero tolerance to crimes against children, rape in particular.  These sentences have been handed down at an opportune moment where we  observe Child Protection Week, a time set aside but our government to raise awareness about the plight of children including sexual abuse,” she said.

“As the Department that deals with the after effects of abuse on a daily basis, we are encouraged and we hope that victims of abuse will also be encouraged to report cases of abuse even more because we are mindful of the fact that some of the cases go unreported.  I think the police and our courts have proved that they are on the side of victims of abuse.”

Numerous comments on national media websites claimed the sentence was proof of social decline in Southern Africa, where honour no longer held any sway over the actions of officials placed to guard the well-being of residents.