Man Gets Life Imprisonment For Raping Niece

A 56-year-old man from Limpopo, South Africa has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his 12-year-old niece.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his victim, raped the girl in Dennilton, Limpopo in December 2019 at the victim's grandmother's house.

According to NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the man dragged the victim into her aunt's bedroom, undressed her and raped her while closing her mouth with his hand.

“After the ordeal, he gave the victim R4 and told her not to tell anyone,” Malabi-Dzhangi said. 

“The accused pleaded not guilty but in aggravation of the sentence, the state advocate, Chwayita Mkhwayimba, prayed for a life sentence and further argued that there were no substantial or compelling circumstances present to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence,” Malabi-Dzhangi said. 

She stated that the man was sentenced to life in prison by the Groblersdal magistrate's court, declaring him unfit to possess a firearm and unfit to work with children.

The court also ordered that the accused's name be entered into the book of sexual offenders.

The NPA has welcomed the sentence and praised prosecutor Mkhwayimba and investigating officer Sgt Pebetse Maile for their efforts.