ALLANRIDGE – A man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping an 11-year-old girl in Allanridge in following DNA evidence that linked him to the crime.
Dumisane Matata was convicted and sentenced at the Odendaalsrus Regional Court for the rape that occurred on 30 July 2020.
The court heard that the victim, who lived in Nyakallong, Allanridge, was waiting at a local hiking spot with friends for one of her friend’s grandmother to arrive at about 14:30. Matata approached the group of children and asked for their help gathering wood from nearby bushes.
While the other children refused, the 11-year-old victim accompanied him. Once deep inside the bushes, Matata grabbed the victim and threatened to shoot her with a firearm if she made any noise. He undressed and raped her before fleeing.
The matter was immediately reported to the Allanridge Police and a case of rape was opened.
Warrant Officer Anje Tait from the Thabong Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit conducted the initial investigation and arrested the suspect. The matter was struck off the court roll pending DNA results due to outstanding forensic requirements.
The docket was reassigned to Warrant Officer Jessica Saayman. DNA analysis positively linked Matata to the crime.
W/O Saayman worked with NPA prosecutor Brian Montso on the case presentation. The Odendaalsrus Regional Court found Matata guilty and sentenced him to 20 years of direct imprisonment.
ALSO READ: DNA evidence solves 12-year-old murder case in Prince Albert(Opens in a new browser tab)
