Yesterday, 25 February a 40-year-old uncle was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Ngwelezane Regional Court for raping his niece. On during September 2012 the victim (14) was with her uncle at their home when he sent by her to buy cigarettes from a nearby shop. When the victim returned, she was raped by the accused in his room. He then promised to buy her anything she wants and told her not to tell anyone because he will stop providing the family with food. He raped the victim repeatedly on separate occasions until the victim became tired of his acts and reported the matter in January 2013. A case was opened at Empangeni police station and the docket was taken by Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation. Through investigation, the accused was arrested and charged with rape in March 2013.
“This is a fitting sentence for the rapists who attack and raped vulnerable women and children. This will serve as a warning to those who thought they will escape the long arm of the law. We encourage our young children not to be intimidated by these criminals,” said provincial commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Lt General Mmamonnye Ngobeni. – SA Police News Service