The court declared that the man was unfit to possess a firearm and ordered his name entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
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A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Esikhawini Regional Court for the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Matshana, Empangeni.
The rape happened in November 2023.
"In May 2023, the mother relocated for work, leaving the complainant, another family member, and a nanny to live with the accused at the homestead," said NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.
The court heard that he would call the girl into his room, close the curtains, and play loud music to drown out her cries. He threatened her, warning that she would "see a ghost" if she told anyone.
The abuse was finally reported after a neighbour visited the homestead on November 5, 2023, and directly asked the girl if she was being raped.
She disclosed the assaults, and the matter was immediately reported to the police.
The complainant was taken to the Ngwelezane Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical care and psychosocial support.
In court, the state presented testimonies from the complainant, the neighbour, the investigating officer, and the doctor who conducted a medical examination.
A Victim Impact Statement, compiled with the assistance of Court Preparation Officer Ntombi Chonco, revealed the girl had hoped the accused would act as a father figure following her biological father's death, but instead, he caused her lasting trauma.
The court also declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm and ordered his name entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
"The NPA welcomes this sentence," said Ramkisson-Kara.
"The NPA's fight against sexual violence is strengthened by the continued expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) across the country."
Since 2020/2021, the number of Thuthuzela Care Centres has increased from 55 to 66, providing survivors with vital services and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.