Zimnabwean man sentence to life imprisonment for rape of 12-year old girl in SA
TZANEEN, Limpopo Province – A 42-year-old Zimbabwean man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tzaneen Regional Court in South Africa, after being found guilty of the rape of a 12-year-old girl. The case, which has been closely followed, concluded with a stern sentence reflecting the severity of the crime.
Due to the sensitive nature of the case, and to protect the identity of the young victim and prevent further harm, the accused’s name is being withheld. The court recognised the need to shield the child from any secondary victimisation that could arise from public identification.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson for Limpopo Province, Mashudu Malabi, confirmed the sentencing on Tuesday, providing details of the harrowing case. According to Ms Malabi, the accused had pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the state presented compelling evidence from witnesses, painting a disturbing picture of the events that unfolded between 2020 and 2021.
The court heard that both the accused and the victim resided within the same compound on the ZZ2 farm in Mooketsi. Exploiting this proximity, the man began a campaign of abuse against the young girl.
Ms Malabi outlined the man’s modus operandi, stating, “Between 2020 and 2021, the accused would request the victim to come to his compound, and he would spike her drink, which resulted in her losing control of herself. He then overpowered her and raped her.”
On another occasion, the court was told, the man did not resort to spiking the girl’s drink. Instead, he forcibly assaulted her whilst they were watching television at his residence. The repeated abuse eventually led to the devastating discovery that the young girl was pregnant.
Following this revelation, the victim bravely confided in her sister, who promptly reported the matter to the authorities. This led to the arrest of the accused and the commencement of legal proceedings.
During the sentencing phase, Prosecutor Isaac Mahlangu presented a powerful argument in aggravation. He highlighted the profound and lasting impact the crime had had on the victim’s life. The court heard that the ordeal had negatively affected her well-being, even causing a decline in her academic performance.
Ms Malabi relayed the gravity of the situation, stating, “The victim was betrayed by the person she trusted and who was supposed to protect her.” The breach of trust and the violation of her innocence were central to the prosecution’s case.
The state further argued that the victim had become withdrawn and isolated as a result of the abuse. “The State further submitted that the victim has withdrawn from outdoor activities and lost interest in engaging with other people, especially male figures,” Ms Malabi explained. The long-term psychological damage inflicted upon the young girl was a key factor in the court’s decision.
Given the severity of the crime and the devastating impact on the victim, the prosecution argued that there were no grounds to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. “In addition, the State concluded by submitting that there are no substantial and compelling circumstances which justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” Ms Malabi confirmed.
Presiding Officer Antoinette Lamminga, in passing the sentence, emphasised the profound and ongoing impact of the crime on the victim’s life. She noted that the complainant was struggling to come to terms with the results of the ordeal and that it continues to affect her daily life.
The NPA has welcomed the life sentence, viewing it as a significant victory in the fight against gender-based violence. Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, expressed her satisfaction at seeing justice served for victims of such heinous crimes. She also praised the efforts of Mr Mahlangu and the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Mokobi from the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, for their dedication in securing this outcome.
Ms Malabi concluded by reiterating Advocate Thenga’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of deterring potential perpetrators from committing similar offences. The life sentence, it is hoped, will send a clear message that such crimes will be met with the full force of the law.
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