STERKSPRUIT – The Sterkspruit Regional Court has sentenced Bongani Mraca (35) to 25 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of a 10-year-old girl in Palmietfontein, Sterkspruit.
Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali said the court heard that on 30 July 2023, the victim had gone to Mraca’s home to play with his nephew and another friend.
He noted that while at the house, the accused was alone and separated the victim from her friends by sending them to a nearby spaza shop, then raped her.
“The victim subsequently reported the incident to her mother, which led to his arrest at his home. He later pleaded guilty to the offence,” he added.
During sentencing, State Prosecutor Anele Magibile emphasised that rape is a degrading and violent violation of a person’s dignity and constitutional rights. The court highlighted the vulnerability of children and reiterated that the best interests of the child are of paramount importance in all matters concerning them.
The court found that while the accused’s guilty plea and status as a first-time offender were factors to consider, these did not constitute substantial and compelling circumstances to warrant a lesser sentence.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be included in the National Register for Sexual Offenders.
Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, said: “This sentence sends a clear message that sexual offences against children will not be tolerated. The NPA is committed to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and that justice is served for the most vulnerable members of our society.”
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