The Mbombela Sexual Offences Court convicted and sentenced a 35-year-old man to life on August 7 for raping and impregnating his 14-year-old sister-in-law.
According to the provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, the perpetrator was married to the victim’s sister and was residing with the victim in Barberton.
“Before the incident, the victim’s mother brought her to stay with her sister in Barberton so that she could be near the school she was attending at the time. In October 2019, the accused’s wife went out to play cards, leaving the accused with the victim in the house. He took advantage of the victim and raped and impregnated her. The matter was reported and the accused was arrested.”
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“In court, the accused claimed that the sexual intercourse was consensual and that he was not aware of the victim’s age. Regional Court Prosecutor Lazarus Rabothata led evidence of the victim, who testified through the assistance of an intermediary. DNA and J88 medical reports were submitted as part of the evidence. It linked the accused to the offence and he was found guilty as charged,” said Nyuswa.
She added that in aggravation of the sentence, the State indicated that the accused had not shown any remorse and his conduct damaged the victim’s life, as her mother had trusted him with her daughters, believing they were in capable hands.
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“The court found that there were no substantial and compelling reasons for deviation from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment. The court further ordered that the accused’s name be registered in the national offenders register, and that he also be declared unfit to possess a firearm.”
Nyuswa said the NPA applauds the prosecution and the police for the meticulous collection and presentation of evidence, and that justice is seen to be served.
