A 36-YEAR-old man who was convicted of raping an 11-year-old girl was handed two life sentences by the Galeshewe Regional Court.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) provincial spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said yesterday that the incidents took place between May 1 to 2, 2022, while the man was staying with the girl’s family.
“The accused was a family friend who was trusted to assist in raising the children. The accused slept on the floor in the girl and her three sibling’s bedroom because of limited space in the house. The accused took advantage of the situation and raped the girl in May 2022, while the rest of her family were asleep in the house,” said Senokoatsane.
He added that the man was arrested after the girl informed her mother and stepfather about what he had done to her and the matter was reported to the police.
“The girl was taken for a medical examination which proved that she had sustained injuries. The accused was remanded in custody until the conclusion of the matter. During the trial, the girl testified via an intermediary about how the rape and assault had impacted her life,” said Senokoatsane.
He said further that the family felt betrayed by the accused, who was regarded as a fatherly figure.
“During the trial, the accused denied ever sexually assaulting the child. The regional court prosecutor, advocate Shareen Theresa Links, argued that the evidence, including DNA samples and forensic evidence, against the accused was overwhelming. She argued that the complainant was a very good witness even though she was a minor and a single witness.”
Senokoatsane stated that the prosecution demonstrated how the accused lacked remorse and that a clear message had to be sent to other perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide.
“During sentencing, the court found the accused guilty on both counts of rape and handed down two life sentences. The accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name will also be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
“The National Prosecuting Authority envisages that these sentences will provide some justice and closure to victims and their families,” Senokoatsane concluded.