Justice has prevailed after nine years.
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THE COLESBERG Regional Court has delivered justice for a heinous crime committed nearly a decade ago. Two men have been sentenced to a combined 35 years in prison for their involvement in the brutal rape of a 15-year-old girl in 2016.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the harrowing incident occurred on the night of February 27, 2016, when the young victim was visiting a male friend at his home and decided to spend the night.
What began as a sleepover turned into a nightmare as the male friend, along with three other individuals, took turns raping her. The attackers fled, leaving the traumatised girl to seek help.
The victim bravely reported the crime at the Kuyasa police station, leading to a swift response from law enforcement. She was taken to a local hospital for a medical examination, and a case of rape was opened.
All four suspects, aged between 18 and 28 – including the male friend – were arrested and charged.
The investigation was spearheaded by Detective Sergeant Ilse Fan of the De Aar SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Her “meticulous” work ensured that all suspects were positively linked to the crime.
Two of the accused later passed away during the investigation, leaving the remaining two to face trial.
The court found the two men guilty and sentenced them to 20 and 15 years of direct imprisonment, respectively. Additionally, they were declared unfit to possess firearms, and their names will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The district commissioner of Pixley ka Seme, Major-General Nomana Mtukushe, welcomed the sentences and praised Detective Sergeant Fan for her dedication and commitment to securing justice for the victim.