A 32-YEAR-OLD man got a life sentence for repeatedly raping his niece – starting when she was just five years old.

The accused – who is the victim’s paternal uncle – began assaulting the young girl in Nkonjeni, uLundi, back in 2012.

ALSO READ: Mtunzini SAPS search for assault victim’s next of kin

It was revealed in court that the accused, the victim, and her sibling lived with the victim’s grandparents.

The first time, the victim’s grandmother was away collecting her pension. The accused gave the victim’s sibling money to go to the tuckshop, before raping her.

This continued for years before, in 2020, the girl eventually told her mother about the abuse. She later testified that the accused had threatened to kill her if she reported him.

The matter was reported to the police, and the accused was arrested at his home.

Prosecutor Xolani Ndlela led the evidence of the complainant and her mother, with medical evidence, and a victim impact statement used in evidence.

The victim said the abuse had affected her entire life, leadign to difficulty sleeping and academic struggles.

KZN NPA regional spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said, “The accused abused his position of trust and violated a child he should have protected. Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from all forms of abuse.”

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer

TikTok – @zululand_observer