A FORMER cook at a creche has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the rape of a three-year-old girl, highlighting the urgent need for child protection in vulnerable environments
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A FORMER cook at a creche has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the rape of a three-year-old girl, highlighting the urgent need for child protection in vulnerable environments
Vuyisane Makeleni, 24, of Bloemfontein, who was not only employed as a cook but also tasked with various odd jobs around the creche, took the young victim to the toilets under the guise of supervision. Once inside, he raped her and threatened the child to remain silent about the assault.
It was only later that evening, when the child complained of pain to her mother, that the truth emerged, IOL reported.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the girl reported what had happened to her.
"Following a medical examination, injuries were confirmed, prompting immediate action from law enforcement. The local police wasted no time in launching an investigation, which uncovered that the creche was operating without proper registration. Consequently, the establishment was promptly closed," Senokoatsane.
Advocate Ronel Botha, representing the State, vehemently argued for a stringent sentence that reflected the gravity of Makeleni's actions.
She emphasised the profound breach of trust he committed against the child and her parents, who had entrusted him with their care, depicting him as a responsible guardian.
Advocate Botha articulated that such violations not only endanger the immediate victim but also pose a broader threat to society’s most vulnerable members.
The court, recognising the severity of the crime, affirmed the conviction of rape and subsequent 20-year prison term for Makeleni, as well as an order to register his name on the Sexual Offenders Register.
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