A CONVICTED murderer on parole was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment in the Empangeni Sexual Offences Court after raping a 12-year-old relative three times.
Sifiso Mbuthu (44) was serving a 10 year sentence for murder, but was released on parole, after which he raped the child.
According to evidence led by Regional Court Prosecutor Sharon Bux, Mbuthu called the young girl to his room to carry out chores, where he would then grab and rape her on three different occasions.
He also threatened to kill her if she reported the matter.
The victim’s mother had died and she was raised by family at her maternal homestead in Sokhulu, where the incidents occurred.
The terrified girl only reported the rapes when she visited her father’s homestead and was questioned by her aunt, who noticed that something was wrong.
Medical evidence confirmed that she was sexually assaulted.
Presiding Magistrate N Mkhwanazi convicted Mbuthu on all three counts and his sentences will run concurrently.
The State presented a victim impact statement in which the girl explained how losing her virginity at such a young age at the hands of a blood relative affected her.
The statement was prepared by Court Preparation Officer Seneliso Sibanda.
Mbuthu’s name was also entered into the national register for sexual offences.
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