The man was sentenced at the Mitchells Plain Regional Court
Image: Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
The Mitchells Plain United Residents Association (MURA) and court watching brief has expressed their gratitude to the team involved in sentencing a serving member of a prison gang to life imprisonment for the rape of his former girlfriend's seven-year-old daughter, a case that has shocked the local community.
In a ruling from the Mitchell's Plain Regional Court, the accused, whose name has not been revealed to protect the victim, was found guilty on two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
He received a life sentence for each rape count and an additional two years for the sexual assault. These sentences will run together, meaning he will effectively serve life in prison.
The life sentence will also run alongside a previous 12-year sentence for a shooting at Club Caprice in Camps Bay in 2019, and 25 years for the murder of steroid dealer Brian Wainstein in 2020. In total, he will serve a maximum of 25 years.
The court has declared the man unfit to own a firearm and ordered his name to be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders, preventing him from working with children.
Mura chairperson and court watching brief coordinator Linda Jones said this is not just a win for the justice system but a win for every victim who bravely told their stories.
"We understand how difficult this work can be, but you’ve delivered justice for the victim, so thank you to the SAPS members and FCS for ensuring that all the evidence was properly recorded.
"Thank you to the prosecutor and preparation clerks for a job well done and the Magistrate for sending a clear message to potential offenders."
Jones urged all victims to not remain silent.
"There are people who will ensure that you receive justice."
State Prosecutor Sergio Lorenzo Goff led the case has also been been told to inform the victim of her rights regarding any future parole considerations.
IOL A man was sentenced to life imprisonment after he raped his ex-girlfriends 7-year-old daughter
Image: File
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, said during the trial, the young victim bravely testified about her experience.
"She explained that the assaults took place while she was living with the accused.
"Fearing for her safety, she did not tell her mother but did speak to the accused's daughter about what had happened."
The prosecution presented evidence from the accused's ex-girlfriend and daughter, along with medical proof of the victim's injuries.
The accused tried to deny the charges, claiming he was in prison during the times of the offences, but a correctional officer confirmed that he was on parole at the time.
In her victim impact statement, the young girl expressed the deep pain she has felt.
She worked with Court Preparation Officer Carmenita Van Rooy to share her feelings about the trauma she has experienced. She described the fear and distrust that now shape her life, saying that she struggles with depression and sometimes hurts herself.
The trauma has also affected her schoolwork, as people do not understand what she is going through.
Goff told the court that rape is one of the worst crimes a person can commit.
He highlighted the increasing number of such cases in the region and the community's commitment to standing against violence towards women and children.
In the end, the court rejected the accused's claims and confirmed the prosecution's case, giving him two life sentences and two additional years for sexual assault.
Advocate Nicolette Bell, the Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, welcomed the sentence and praised the efforts of those involved in bringing justice to the victim.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Weekend Argus
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