A 48-year old man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping minor girl and tried to silence her with R20

A 48-year old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the Dzanani regional court, Limpopo, for raping a minor girl and tried to silence her with R20.

Evidence was led in court that on 7 December 2021, the victim’s mother witnessed the accused, who was a family friend, giving her R20. She then asked about the purpose for being given the money.

The victim then informed the mother that the money was for buying her silence about being raped by the man at Ha-Matsa village on 05 December 2021. The mother reported the matter to the police.

Medical examination showed that the victim was sexually assaulted. The victim was traced and arrested.

Provincial police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence and described the crime as “horrendous”.

“This sentence serves to send a stern message that our courts will not spare those who commit acts of brutality against children,” Hadebe said.