NORTHERN CAPE – The Olifantshoek Regional Court sentenced Andy Katlolo Melwane (30) to 20 years imprisonment for raping a then 13-year-old girl.

Melwane raped the child on 30 August 2015. The victim was playing on the street when the accused accosted and dragged her to the nearby veld where he raped and assaulted her. The victim’s cousin who was also a minor tried to assist but Melwane threatened him with a knife and chased him away.

Melwane was later arrested and was convicted and sentenced on 07 September 2021 after several court appearances. He was sentenced to 20 years for rape and five year for assault. The sentences will run concurrently.

The Provincial Head for Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) in the Northern Cape, Brigadier Nicky Mills has welcomed the sentence and applauded the investigating officer, Sergeant Boikanyo Pilane of Kathu FCS for the meticulous investigation that ensured that justice is served. ‘No stone will be left unturned in the fight against any form of crime or violence perpetrated against women and children’.

Source: South African Police Service