Scottburgh court jails man who raped partner’s child
The complainant’s mother testified that her daughter struggles to concentrate at school, displays fear, and has developed anger towards men.
The Scottburgh Regional Court sentenced a 43-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of a minor girl on the South Coast.
The accused cannot be named to protect the identity of the child.
As per the court, the rapes occurred on different occasions between 2021 and 2022. The complainant was 10-years-old at the time.
She knew the accused as he was in a relationship with her mother.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated that during that period, the accused would take the complainant to his house, which was near her home, where he raped her. He threatened to kill both the complainant and her mother if she disclosed the abuse.
“In December 2022, after another incident, the complainant went to her friend’s house, where they were meant to play,” said Natasha Ramkisson, NPA regional spokesperson – KZN division.
“She confided in her friend that the accused had been raping her. The complainant also informed her friend’s mother, who then contacted the complainant’s mother. The complainant was taken to a nearby medical facility for examination and assistance. The matter was reported to the police, and the accused was subsequently arrested.”
During the trial, Prosecutor Thanusha Govender led the testimonies of the complainant, her mother, the friend, and the friend’s mother. The medical doctor who examined the complainant confirmed that her clinical findings were consistent with the allegations of repeated sexual assault.
The complainant’s mother testified that the offences had a severe emotional impact on the child and that she struggles to concentrate at school, displays fear, and has developed anger towards men.
Last week, the accused was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, declared unfit to possess a firearm, and the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and the Child Protection Register.
The NPA hopes that sentences of this nature will serve as a deterrent.
“Members of society have a responsibility to protect children. In this matter, the accused abused a position of trust and authority. The NPA remains committed to ensuring justice for victims of crime,” added Ramkisson.
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