A 22-year-old rapist was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday, 22 November, in the Bloemfontein Regional court for the rape of his neighbour’s 7-year-old girl.
On 23 December 2021, the victim’s grandmother discovered signs that the child may have been sexually assaulted. She confronted her and the child refused to disclose what had happened to her. However, on 10 February 2022, the 7-year-old victim reported to her teacher about her neighbour’s evil deeds.
The teacher accompanied by the 7-year-old’s parents visited Bloemspruit Police station and a case of rape was registered for investigation. Mangaung Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, took over the investigation and it was discovered that the little girl was repeatedly sexually assaulted between December 2021 and February 2022.
The 22-year-old suspect was arrested and charged for rape. The Free State Deputy Provincial Commissioner Crime Detection Major General Apathia Modise, lauded the good working relationship between the prosecutor Valerie Herhordt and the Investigating Officer Sergeant Katlego Pheko that ensured the perpetrator is and remains behind bars.
