On 18 October 2021, Pongola Regional Court convicted and sentenced Xolani Mfanyana (21) to ten years imprisonment for rape.
On 29 June 2020 at 13:00, an eight-year-old girl was visiting her friend’s home when her friend’s uncle called her to another room and asked her to remove her skirt, she declined and he overpowered and raped her.
The man was caught by one of his siblings who went and informed the mother of the victim. A case of rape was opened at Pongola SAPS for investigation.
On the following day, investigations led Pongola Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit to the arrest of the accused who was positively linked to the case.
He appeared in court numerous times until his sentence.