Another life imprisonment term was handed down at the Scottburgh Regional Court recently. This time to a rapist for a 2022 Hibberdene case.

The accused, a 35-year-old man, was known to his 14-year-old victim. Names are being withheld to protect the girl’s identity.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the teen’s mother worked in Durban and would leave her daughter in the care of the accused’s family while she was away.

On the day of the incident in October 2022, the complainant was watching TV in the accused’s room when he raped her. Thereafter, she fled to a friend’s house to seek assistance.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, and the complainant received medical attention. The accused was later arrested.

During the trial, prosecutor Harry du Plessis led the evidence of the complainant, her friend who received the first report of the incident, and the complainant’s mother.

The medical doctor who examined the complainant also testified regarding the injuries observed during the examination.

The prosecutor also submitted victim impact statements prepared by the complainant and her mother, facilitated by court preparation officer Nokukhanya Mkhize.

In the teen’s statement, she described the severe emotional trauma she suffered as a result of the rape. She also explained that she had previously been a bubbly and enthusiastic learner, but had since become withdrawn.

The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name will also be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

“The NPA welcomes the sentence and trusts that it will serve as a strong deterrent to like-minded offenders,” said Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, NPA regional spokesperson – KZN Division.

“The accused abused a position of trust and exploited the vulnerability of a child placed in his care. Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and deserve the highest level of protection from all forms of abuse and exploitation.”

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