The Potchefstroom Regional Court sentenced a 33-year old man from Ikageng, to life imprisonment for kidnapping and raping his 9-year old niece.
On 27 July 2020 the accused tried to lure the victim away from where she was playing with her brother, but she refused. He then took her by force and later raped her near the dam in extension 6 in Ikageng.
People went to search for the child and found her with the accused after it was reported that her uncle forcefully removed her from where she was playing. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges in court, but later, after the evidence of the victim was lead and the DNA report became available the accused made formal admissions in terms of Section 220 of Criminal Procedure Act.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Hester Pretorius argued that the court should give a deterrence sentence to the accused, as he violated the rights of the young girl. She further argued that the accused was supposed to protect his niece instead he sexually assaulted her and took away her dignity and her confidence. She emphasised the scourge of violence against women and children in the country. Pretorius urged the court not to deviate from the imposed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the Prosecutor, Police Services and other role players who ensured that justice was served to the victim. The DPP hopes this sentence will serve as a deterrent to other relatives that violate the rights of children in their households instead of protecting them and playing the parenting role. The DPP encouraged the community to report any acts of Gender- based violence to the relevant authorities.
