A man who was previously sentenced to 13 years’ direct imprisonment for raping a minor, has been sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for the rape of an 8-year old boy.
The 47-year-old man, who cannot be identified to protect the identity of the young victim, was reportedly out on parole after serving part of his 13-year sentence when he raped his 8-year-old neighbour in October 2022. The convicted rapist relocated from the Eastern Cape to Hermanus shortly after he was released on parole.
Although the prosecutor, Harold Engelbrecht, argued that the crime of which the accused was convicted deserved no less than the maximum sentence of life, the court decided to deviate from this.
Engelbrecht argued and proved that the accused lured the minor into his house and then forced him to perform sexual acts. The victim’s sister reportedly came in and witnessed what happened. The incident was reported and the accused was arrested on the same day.
The accused has been in custody since then as his bail application was success-fully opposed and his parole was revoked.
Despite the victim’s sister witnessing the act, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Engelbrecht argued that the accused took advantage of his minor victim who trusted him as he was an adult and a neighbour.
The convicted rapist was sentenced to 23 years behind bars.
The state welcomed the sentence, saying it provided some justice and closure for the victim and his family.
Eric Ntabazalila, Western Cape provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), added: “These sentences serve to bring a measure of closure and removes violent criminals from our streets.”
Capt Buks Hanekom, commander of the Hermanus Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Crimes (FCS) Unit, welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer, Sgt Martin Mtholo, for his dedication and attention to detail that helped to secure the heavy sentence not only for the 8-year-old victim, but also for victims in other cases.
One of Mtholo’s most recent successes includes the sentencing of a middle-aged pastor to 22 years imprisonment after he was convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl.
