File
A 22-year-old man was sentenced in the George regional court on Tuesday to 30 years direct imprisonment for the rape and murder of a minor last April.
Western Cape NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said in a statement, the 22-year-old was charged with housebreaking with the intent to steal and theft, rape of a minor, and murder.
According to Ntabazalila, the perpetrator cannot be named to protect the family of the minor rape victim and deceased from secondary victimisation.
He said during the trial it came to light that the deceased and accused grew up like siblings.
Ntabazalila adds that on the day of the incident, the accused broke into the house where the child was sleeping and raped her before choking her to death.
In the statement Ntabazalila also said that on the day of the incident, the accused used drugs and alcohol, but still could still have distinguish between right and wrong and acted accordingly.
“He was later arrested and found in possession of a cell phone, and he confessed to the crimes. He pleaded guilty to the crimes. The victim impact statement of the mother and grandmother of the deceased as well as the stepfather of the deceased was obtained and presented in sentencing.”
He adds that the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape, advocate Nicolette Bell welcomed the sentence.
