Esikhaleni Regional Court convicted and sentenced a 31 year old man for raping his 15 year old niece. He was also sentenced to eight years imprisonment for sexual assault.
On 29 December 2016 at 17:00, the victim was walking along the footpath at Bhekizwe Reserve, Esikhaleni when she was approached by her uncle. The accused asked her about her boyfriend and he threatened to tell her mother if she does not speak the truth. The victim was sexually assaulted and raped. She was further threatened to be killed should she report what had happened to her.
A case of rape was opened at Esikhaleni police station for investigation. The docket was transferred to Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for further investigation. Through hard work by the members, the accused was arrested and charged accordingly.
In another unrelated rape case, a stepfather (33) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for raping his stepdaughter at Nqamuzana Reserve in Mtunzini. He was sentenced by the Esikhaleni Regional Court after the magistrate heard how he raped his daughter.
On 2 October 2016, the victim (12) was sleeping at home when her father quietly entered her room and raped her. Luckily, she managed to identify the accused although in was dark. A case of rape was opened at Mtunzini police station and later, the accused was arrested.
The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa welcomed the sentences handed down to both accused. “These accused had no mercy with the young children and they failed to protect them. Instead, they raped the victims. This attitude by relatives who failed to protect their loved ones cannot be tolerated. Our experienced and skilled FCS members will leave no stone unturned in dealing with such cases and bring those involved to book,” he said.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
