CHARLESTOWN – The Newcastle Regional Court convicted, and sentenced a 26-year-old male to life imprisonment for rape and kidnapping of an 11-year-old child, on October 5, 2010.
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According to Lizzy Arumugam, from the SAPS Corporate Communications, the then 11-year-old victim was on her way home, in Charlestown, just outside Newcastle, at about 2pm, when she was accosted by the accused.
“He dragged her into the nearby bushes and raped her,” she said.
The incident was reported to police, and a case of rape was opened at the Charlestown Police Station. The docket was transferred to the the Newcastle Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for further investigation.
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“Members worked tirelessly until the accused was brought to book on the same day of the incident. He appeared in the Newcastle Regional Court several times, pleading not guilty, before he was successfully prosecuted and sentenced on July 26.”
Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bhekinkosi Langa, welcomed the sentences.
“All sexual offenders will be sent to prison indefinitely, so they can face the consequences for their actions. This should be a warning to those who think of committing such crimes, that the police will make sure criminals are brought to the book,” he concluded.
