The accused was charged for rape during the period of 2009 to 2011, and another charge of rape on August 26, 2012.
He pleaded guilty and was found guilty on July 17, and sentenced on July 28 to life imprisonment for the first charge and another life sentence for the second charge.
During 2009 to 2011 the accused repeatedly raped a three–year-old child and again raped her in 2012.
Ratlagane first alleged that he was suffering from psychological problems but after the State sent him for evaluation, it was found that he could appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions.
The mother of the child supplied a victim impact statement to the court.
In it she indicated that her daughter was suffering emotionally and was traumatised. She further stated that her daughter was performing poorly in school and showed signs of anger towards her younger brother.
According to the doctor’s notes, old tears were visible, confirming that the child had been raped for a long period of time.
The court ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the national register for sexual offenders.
He was also found unsuitable to work with children in the future as well as declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Magistrate Sijren Harichand presided over the matter, and Leon Naude appeared on behalf of the State. – @CarmenBoksburg
