NORTHERN CAPE – A 35-year-old uncle has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the De Aar Regional Court for raping his niece. The Northern Cape Police Management welcomed the life sentence handed down.

During October 2017 the accused raped his 13-year-old niece. On the day of the incident the victim was in the care of her uncle, while her mother was at work. Subsequent to raping the victim he threatened her not to tell anyone about the rape incident, threatening to kill her.

On 26 January 2018, the victim reported the rape incident to her mother. Medical examination confirmed that the victim was pregnant and the rapist was arrested immediately. DNA tests were conducted and the results positively linked the uncle to the victim’s pregnancy. On 26 November 2021, the De Aar Regional Court found the uncle guilty on charges of rape.

On Monday, 21 February 2022, the De Aar Regional Court sent a strong message by convicting the uncle and incarcerating him for life.

The Northern Cape Police Management commended Warrant Officer Edwin Mokgalagadi for the meticulous investigation of the case and also praised the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) including Department of Justice for removing the rapist permanently from society.

The hefty jail term should serve as a deterrent to criminals who continuing to abuse women and children.

Source: South African Police Service