On Friday, 24 June 2016, the accused (31) was convicted and sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Pinetown Regional Court for rape. He was convicted after the court heard how he raped his 7-year-old niece.
During December 2013 the victim (7) was at home watching television when she was called by her uncle to the garage. As she was in the garage, her uncle raped her and he continued raping her several times until 2015.
All along the victim was scared to report the matter to her mother as she was threatened by the accused.
In June last year her brother saw the accused allegedly raping her and he reported the matter to her mother.
It was when the case was opened at Pinetown police station for further investigation. Pinetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit took over investigation that led to the arrest of the accused.
The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bhekinkosi Langa welcome the sentence handed down to the accused. I want to encourage children to break the silence and report any abuse to the police or to their parents even if they are being intimidated.
The police will not tolerate those who rape children as they are destroying their future.
I also express my appreciation to the Pinetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexually Offences unit for the job well done during their investigation, he said.
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