MPUMALANGA – A 21-year-old man, Sifiso George Sibiloane, has been sentenced to two life terms for the rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl in Charl Cilliers.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant-General Apaphia Modise, has welcomed the sentencing.

The incident occurred in March, when police received a report that Nomvelo Rossow had gone missing. Various police units were immediately activated to search for the child.

During the search, police encountered a man carrying a suspicious bag. Upon searching it, officers discovered clothing belonging to a young girl, which was soaked in blood.

Further investigation led police to a maize field, where the body of the missing child was found.

Sibiloane, from Seyferfontein Farm near Charl Cilliers, was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the child’s death.

Through a thorough investigation and the collection of crucial evidence, detectives built a strong case against Sibiloane, resulting in his conviction.

The Mpumalanga High Court, sitting in Breyten, sentenced Sibiloane to two life terms on Thursday, 13 August, after finding him guilty of the murder and rape of Nomvelo Rossow.

The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be placed on the relevant offenders’ register.

Lieutenant-General Modise commended the investigation team and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for their efforts in securing the conviction.

“We hope that this sentence will send a strong message to perpetrators who target children that they have no place in society. Our detectives worked tirelessly to ensure that this case was speedily finalised and that justice was served for the minor and her family,” said Modise.

SAPS said it remains committed to protecting women and children and ensuring that perpetrators of serious and violent crimes are brought to justice.

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