Perverted rapist gets life
Family severely affected by child's rape.
The truck driver convicted of the abduction, rape and assault of a six-year-old Montclair girl received a life sentence for the count of rape in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 3 April.
38-year-old Arumugan Naidoo also received three-years for abduction and a 10-year sentence for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The sentences are to run concurrently.
During sentencing, the court once again heard the detailed injuries sustained by the young girl. Many in the gallery cried on hearing these as well as how she was raped repeatedly. In handing down his sentence, presiding judge, Siphiwe Hlophe described Naidoo’s action as ‘perverted’ and ‘brutally and maliciously motivated’. “A woman’s body is sacrosanct and anyone who violates it does so at their own peril,” said Hlophe. He said rape cannot be tolerated.
The child’s parents have been severely affected by the incident. They have sleepless nights and suffer from a loss of appetite, her mother has even contemplated suicide. The child was described as being absent-minded, she sits alone and doesn’t play with the other children like she used to before.
Judge Hlophe, while addressing the court on the effects of rape, said: “Victims become psychologically handicapped. They see themselves as sub-human.” The emotion filled court-room heard of how the girl is now afraid of Indian men.
Naidoo, who has no children, said he was stressed when he committed the crime. The court was told he was aware of what he was doing but due to the stress he was unable to control himself.
On hearing of the life sentence, the gallery showed signs of relief. Montclair resident and ANC Women’s League member, Faith Mnguni who attended the sentencing, said she was pleased with the sentence. “Just because he doesn’t have a child doesn’t mean he can abuse another. He has sent out a message that women and children are not safe,” said Faith.
Naidoo will serve his sentence at Westville Prison. His name will be added to the sexual offenders list and is deemed unfit to possess a licensed firearm.
