Johnson Progress

A 42-year-old Zimbabwean man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tzaneen Regional Court in South Africa’s Limpopo Province for the rape of a 12-year-old girl.

 

The accused, whose name is withheld to protect the victim’s identity, was found guilty of sexually abusing the girl, resulting in her pregnancy.

 

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi, the accused pleaded not guilty, but evidence presented in court revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse.

 

“The accused and the victim were living at the same compound of the ZZ2 farm in Mooketsi,” Malabi said.

 

The abuse occurred between 2020 and 2021, with the accused spiking the victim’s drink and raping her on multiple occasions.

 

Prosecutor Isaac Mahlangu argued that the victim had been severely traumatized, with her school performance suffering as a result.

 

“The victim was betrayed by the person she trusted and who was supposed to protect her,” Mahlangu said.

 

The victim has also withdrawn from social activities and struggles to interact with others, especially males.

 

Presiding Officer Antoinette Lamminga noted that the victim is still struggling to come to terms with the abuse, which has significantly impacted her daily life.

 

In handing down the sentence, Lamminga emphasized the severity of the crime and the need for justice.

 

Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentence, stating, “The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence imposed. We are pleased to witness victims of Gender-Based Violence receiving justice and deterring potential perpetrators from committing similar offences.”

 

The investigation and prosecution of the case were praised by Thenga, who thanked Prosecutor Mahlangu and Investigating Officer Sergeant Mokobi for their efforts in securing justice for the victim.