A 26-year-old tuckshop owner and Ethiopian national has been sentenced to life imprisonment the Mahwelereng Regional Court after he locked a 13-year-old girl from Moshate village inside his shop and raped her.
He was convicted of the heinous crimes of kidnapping and rape of the 13-year-old girl.
The Mahwelereng Regional Court on Friday sentenced him to life imprisonment for rape, five years’ imprisonment for kidnapping, and two years’ imprisonment or a fine of R5,000 for contravening the Immigration Act.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred on Sunday, May 26, 2024, when the victim went to the accused’s shop with a friend to buy atchar and was told to return.
“A minor victim returned, and she was subsequently locked inside the shop and forcibly taken to his bedroom and subjected to a traumatic rape ordeal until being released the next morning on Monday, May 27, 2024.”
Ledwaba said the victim went home and proceeded to school and found her mother, who was searching for her and “bravely” reported about the traumatic rape incident that was immediately reported to the local the police.
“An immediate manhunt was activated, and a 26 year-old was subsequently apprehended the same day while at his shop.”
He said the case was transferred to the Mokopane Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit for further investigations.
Ledwaba said the case was assigned to Sergeant Raisibe Marakalala, and through her diligent efforts in ensuring that justice prevailed, the accused was denied bail until his sentencing.
Meanwhile, the Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentence.
“This verdict is a testament to the tireless efforts displayed by the Mokopane FCS Unit in ensuring that justice is served.”
“We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our children and vulnerable members of society from those who seek to harm them.”
“The court’s decision reflects the severity of the crimes committed and sends a strong message to perpetrators of gender-based violence and child abuse that they will face the full force of the law,” she added.
