Mbombela court sentences grandfather for rape of granddaughter

The Nelspruit Sexual Offences Court convicted and sentenced a 47-year-old man to 20 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of his six-year-old granddaughter.

According to a statement by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the victim was residing with her mother, siblings, and the accused in Swalala Trust.

“In June 2019, the victim’s mother went out, leaving the victim with the accused in the house. The accused called the victim to his room and subsequently undressed her and raped her. While committing the offence, the accused heard the victim’s mother coming in, and then told the victim to get off the bed and get dressed.

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“The victim reported the matter to her mother who alerted the neighbours. The victim was taken to Themba Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical examination, counselling, and psychosocial support.”

According to the NPA, the accused was arrested, and the state successfully opposed his release on bail, until his conviction. In court, the accused denied the allegation and he maintained that he had a good relationship with his granddaughter and her mother. The state prosecutor, Leann Jones, led evidence of the victim and the victim’s mother. The neighbours also testified that they went to the house and found the victim naked and crying. A J88 medical report confirming that the victim had been raped, was also presented.

The court found the evidence of state witnesses credible and reliable. The accused was found guilty as charged. During sentencing the court deviated from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. It took into consideration that the accused had been in custody since his arrest in 2019 and sentenced him to 20 years’ direct imprisonment. The accused was declared unsuitable to work with children and unfit to possess a firearm.