Empangeni court sentences rapist to life plus 5 years

Empangeni Regional Court sentences man convicted of rape and sexual assault

May 13, 2026

Mbuso Kunene 2 minutes read

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentence of life plus five years’ handed down by the Empangeni Regional Court following the successful conviction of rape and sexual assault.

The man (32) was in a relationship with the complainant’s mother, and they all lived together.

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NPA regional spokesperson for the KZN division, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the offences occurred between 2020 and 2022, and began when the victim was just 13 years old.

“Some of the incidents took place while the [girl’s] mother was nearby. At one stage, the [victim] fell pregnant and was sent to stay with her aunt in another area,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

She added that following the birth of the baby, the aunt noticed that the girl appeared withdrawn and disinterested in the child.

When confronted, the girl disclosed that the accused had repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted her, and that he was the father of the baby.

“The matter was subsequently reported to the police, and the accused was arrested. The complainant received medical and psycho-social support at the Thuthuzela Care Centre at Ngwelezane Hospital. During the course of the investigation, the complainant’s mother passed away, and the State was therefore unable to charge her,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

During the trial, Prosecutor Edwina du Plessis led the evidence of the complainant and her aunt.

The State also presented medical evidence, including the results of a paternity test confirming that the accused was the father of the child.

“In aggravation of sentence, Du Plessis submitted victim impact statements compiled by the complainant and her aunt. In her statement, the complainant explained that the abuse had affected her so severely that she had attempted suicide.

“The aunt said, following the accused’s arrest and the death of the complainant’s mother, she now carries the responsibility of caring for the girl, the baby, and the girl’s brother,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

Upon conviction, the man was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and unfit to work with children.

The court further ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

“The fight against sexual violence remains a top priority for the NPA. The continued expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country, from 55 in 2020/21 to 66 currently, continues to play a vital role in providing integrated support services to victims of sexual offences,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

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