Zim GBC News | South African Correspondent
TZANEEN, SA – The Tzaneen Regional Court in South Africa’s Limpopo Province has handed down a life sentence to a 42-year-old Zimbabwean man for the repeated rape of a 12-year-old girl, a case the prosecution described as a profound betrayal of trust.
The convicted man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his minor victim, was found guilty of sexually assaulting the girl between 2020 and 2021 while they were both living at the same compound on the ZZ2 farm in Mooketsi.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the accused pleaded not guilty. However, state evidence revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse where the man would lure the child to his room.
“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,” said Mashudu Malabi, the NPA spokesperson for Limpopo Province.
“He then overpowered her and raped her.”
The court heard that on another occasion, the man did not drug the victim but simply forced himself on her while they were watching television at his residence.
The horrific ordeal came to light after the victim realized she was pregnant and reported the abuse to her sister, who subsequently opened a case leading to the man’s arrest.
In arguing for the maximum sentence, Prosecutor Isaac Mahlangu detailed the severe and lasting impact on the young victim.
“The victim was betrayed by the person she trusted and who was supposed to protect her,” Malabi stated, conveying the state’s submission.
“The victim has withdrawn from outdoor activities and lost interest in engaging with other people, especially male figures.”
The state argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
Presiding Officer Antoinette Lamminga agreed, noting in her judgment that the complainant was struggling to come to terms with the ordeal and that it continues to affect her daily life.
The NPA has welcomed the sentence.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, is pleased to witness victims of Gender-Based Violence receiving justice and deterring potential perpetrators from committing similar offences,” said Malabi.
She also praised Prosecutor Mahlangu and the investigating officer, Sergeant Mokobi, for their work on the case.
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