The Ladysmith Regional Court has sentenced a man (63) to 18 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of his 15-year-old neighbour. On the day of the incident, in April 2022, the girl was in the company of other children from the neighbourhood when the 63-year-old called her to an outbuilding and raped her.

He then gave her money and told her not to tell anyone. However, the crime was witnessed by one of the other children, who had followed the girl to the outbuilding and peeped through the door. The child immediately informed elders in the community and the man was arrested.

Regional Court prosecutor Bongisipho Mthembu led the evidence of the girl and the witness. Mthembu argued the severity of the offence, saying that, as an elder who was well known to the girl, the man was in a position of trust. Deciding against life imprisonment, the court did however rule that in the instance where the perpetrator is considered for parole, the girl had the right to make representations in this regard.

Further rulings were that he was declared unsuitable to work with children and that his name be included in the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Also read: Students protest outside college

“The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter, as it affirms our commitment to curbing the scourge of rape and sexual offences. We commend the work done by the prosecution and SAPS,” said NPA regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Ladysmith Gazette, a sold newspaper distributed in the Ladysmith area. 

Please follow us on our YouTube channel and do not be shy; please subscribe and comment as well. 

Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!