A teenage rapist was recently sentenced to a compulsory stay at a Youth Care Centre, followed by 10 years in jail.
Between June last year and January this year, 7 girls from an extended family in the Upper Tugela area were raped. The girls, aged between 6 and 11 years old, were raped at different locations by a person known to them, a relative.
The accused, who was a 16-year-old scholar at the time, would lure the girls with promises of payment and toys. If that didn’t work, he threatened them with assault. Some of the victims were raped repeatedly. ‘Trapped’ and confused, they remained silent until the last victim reported her ordeal. The other girls took courage from her and related their experiences as well.
A case docket was opened for investigation and the suspect was immediately arrested by Upper Tugela police.
The Ladysmith Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) was informed of the case, which received immediate attention.
The case was heard in the Ladysmith Regional Court recently and the accused, who is still a juvenile, plead guilty to all the charges levelled against him.
He was sentenced to 46 months’ compulsory stay at a Youth Care Centre, after which he will serve a 10-year jail term.
The victims are under special care and counselling.
The case was investigated by Warrant Officer EM Buthelezi.
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