31-Year-Old Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Rape of 10-Year-Old Relative.

Giyani: A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Giyani Regional Court for the rape of his 10-year-old relative. The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed approval of the court's decision, which was delivered on Thursday, 31 October 2024. According to South African Police Service, the case dates back to 13 November 2020, when the accused committed the crime in Phikela village, Giyani policing area. The court heard that the victim was left in the care of her cousin by her mother, who had gone to a local shop. Upon her return, the mother found her daughter naked, which led to the revelation that the accused had taken the child to his bedroom and sexually assaulted her. The incident was promptly reported to the police, resulting in a rape case being registered and transferred to the Giyani Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit. Detective Sergeant Maropeng Mashapa was assigned to the case, and his efforts led to the successful arrest and conviction of the accused. The accused was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. Lieutenant General Hadebe praised the investigating officer and all involved parties for their dedication and thorough work on the case.