The Ladysmith Regional Court has sentenced a 31-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping a young girl (13).

The girl hails from a poor background with no parents, having to fend for herself and her siblings. She worked at a shop in the area after school and over weekends, and this is where she met the suspect, who was working at the same shop.

Accused takes advantage of vulnerability

The accused took advantage of the girl’s vulnerability, manipulating her by giving her clothes and food in return for sexual favours. Forced sexual intercourse took place between 2003 and 2014, during which time the complainant fell pregnant.

The girl eventually reported the matter to the Family Violence, Child Protection & Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) in 2023. After an investigation, the suspect appeared in court on summons.

Forced into motherhood

In a statement, the complainant told the court that being forced into motherhood made her feel angry and helpless all at once, as she did not get the opportunity to be a teenager. Instead, she had to look after children. She added that even though she managed to finish school, taking several years, it was difficult to secure employment at her age.

Life sentence

The accused was found guilty at the conclusion of the trial and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to posses a firearm and declared unfit to work with children. His name has been entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter.

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