KUGOMPO CITY – A 56-year-old man was recently sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment for the rape of his 11-year-old niece in KuGompo City (formerly East London).
On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, the East London Regional Court convicted the accused of rape and sentenced him to 18 years’ imprisonment. Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name was ordered to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Hazel Mqala, on 13 January 2024, the suspect visited relatives at Tuba Location, Kwelera, KuGompo City, where his young niece resided.
“The victim was sleeping in a room with cousins of a similar age,” she said. “The accused, who was drunk and accustomed to sleeping at that house, entered the room, forcibly undressed the child, and raped her. It was later established that this was not the first time he had assaulted her.”
Mqala added that later that same night, the victim woke up and told her mother what had happened, and the mother saw the uncle coming out of the room where the child had been sleeping.
“The matter was brought to the attention of family members in April 2024, and a meeting was held, but the uncle denied all allegations,” she said. “That same month, the mother visited a clinic, where the medical examination confirmed that penetration had occurred.”
The mother opened a rape case on 1 May 2024.
Constable Duma Bam of the Mdantsane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit investigated the case.
Mqala stated that the suspect was arrested at his place of residence on 9 May 2024.
“He appeared in court on 10 May 2024, and bail was successfully opposed,” she said. “He remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing.”
The Buffalo City District Commissioner, Major General Christopher Wright, has welcomed the hefty sentence handed down to the suspect.
The District Commissioner praised Detective Constable Duma Bam for his thorough investigation, which led to the conviction and sentence.
“The protection of women and children remains a priority for the SAPS. Detectives remain committed to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book,” said Major General Wright.
