The Maluti Regional Court has sentenced a 43-year-old man to two life imprisonment terms after convicting him on two counts of rape.?
The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his victims, committed the crimes on numerous occasions between the years 2019 and 2021 at the parental homestead he shared with the victims in Mafube village in Maluti.
“He first raped his daughter, who was then nine years old.? When his daughter left their home in December 2019, he proceeded to rape his 10-year-old niece in 2021. He would threaten the victims with death if they reported the rapes to anyone,” said National Prosecuting Authority NPA) regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali.
According to Tyali, the man was arrested after his child reported the rape when she felt safe after moving out from the home they shared.?
“The niece also reported the ordeal after his arrest.? They both received psycho-social and medical attention at the Matatiele Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC),” Tyali added.
During the trial, the man pleaded not guilty, but the state led the evidence of the victims, who testified through an intermediary.
Under cross-examination by prosecutor Tshepo Sekhosana, the man failed to explain why minor children, who are his blood relatives, lie about him and contradicted himself on many aspects.
The prosecutor requested the magistrate not to deviate from the minimum sentence as there were no compelling circumstances, and Magistrate Nombuso Nqwenani agreed with the state.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo commended the prosecutor, TCC staff and the investigating officer for ensuring that justice is served for the young, vulnerable children.
