Double life sentence for child molester

A 36-year-old man convicted of raping an 11-year-old girl has been sentenced to two life terms by the Galeshewe Regional Court.

A 36-year-old man convicted of raping an 11-year-old girl has been sentenced to two life terms by the Galeshewe Regional Court.

Mojalefa Senokoatsane, provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said yesterday that the incidents took place between May 1 and 2, 2022, when the man was staying with the girl’s family.

“The accused was a family friend who was trusted to help raise the children. The accused slept on the floor in the bedroom of the girl and her three siblings because there was not enough space in the house. The accused took advantage of the situation and raped the girl in May 2022 while the rest of her family was sleeping in the house,” Senokoatsane said.

He added that the man was arrested after the girl told her mother and stepfather about his act and reported the incident to the police.

“The girl was subjected to a medical examination which revealed that she had sustained injuries. The accused was remanded in custody pending the outcome of the trial. During the trial, the girl testified through an intermediary about how the rape and assault had affected her life,” Senokoatsane said.

He further said that the family felt betrayed by the defendant, who was seen as a father figure.

“During the trial, the defendant denied ever sexually abusing the child. The district court prosecutor, attorney Shareen Theresa Links, argued that the evidence, including DNA samples and forensic evidence, against the defendant was overwhelming. She argued that the plaintiff was a very good witness, despite being a minor and the only witness.”

Senokoatsane said the prosecution demonstrated the defendants’ lack of remorse and that a clear message must be sent to other perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide.

“At sentencing, the court found the defendant guilty of both counts of rape and imposed two life sentences. The defendant was declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name will also be placed on the National Sex Offender Registry.

“The National Prosecutor’s Office believes that these verdicts will bring some justice and closure to the victims and their families,” Senokoatsane concluded.