Madadeni Courts sentences rapist taxi driver to life behind bars
On the day of the incident, the pregnant girl was returning home from her boyfriend's house when she boarded a meter taxi driven by the suspect.
The Madadeni Regional Court sentenced a 31-year-old taxi driver to life in prison for the rape of pregnant 14-year-old girl in the Osizweni area in April 2021.
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, NPA spokesperson, said on the day of the incident, the pregnant girl was returning home from her boyfriend’s house when she boarded a meter taxi driven by the suspect.
Her boyfriend allegedly knew the suspect and trusted him to safely transport her home.
“However, while on the way, the suspect pretended to look for a petrol station and eventually led the girl to a secluded location where he raped her. He then gave her water to wash with in order to remove any traces of his DNA,” explained Ramkisson-Kara.
The victim immediately reported the incident to her boyfriend, who informed some community members who helped apprehend her rapist.
The girl was then taken to the Madadeni Thuthuzela Care Centre, where she received psychosocial services, counselling, and support.
However, she suffered a miscarriage after the incident.
The man denied the allegations in court, claiming that the girl had exited his taxi and taken another.
Regional Court Prosecutor, Simphiwe Scelo Hlela, who led the girl’s evidence said the first report (by her boyfriend) and the doctor who examined her, helped to prove the state’s case.
“The National Prosecuting Authority applauds the successful conclusion of this case because it demonstrates our commitment to combating the scourge of gender-based violence. We applaud the work of the Prosecution and SAPS,” she concluded.
The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).
