The Nelspruit Regional Court sentenced a 22-year-old Mozambican man to life imprisonment for violating a minor child in Msholozi, Nelspruit.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, the incident occurred in July 2022 when the child was sent by her father to the neighbour’s home. The child was left alone with the accused, who then violated her.
“The incident came to light when the mother noticed her daughter was missing and found her in distress,” Nyuswa said. “The child identified the accused as the person responsible.”
The child was taken to the Rob Ferreira Thuthuzela Care Centre for examination, where medical evidence was collected. Following the investigation, police arrested the accused, who remained in custody without bail.
In court, the accused pleaded not guilty, alleging that the father had fabricated the story. However, State Prosecutor Zamo Mathebula, presented a testimony from the victim, supported by medical evidence and DNA analysis. The court found the state’s case credible and rejected the accused’s defence.
Magistrate Vanessa Joubert sentenced the man to life imprisonment for violating the child and an additional two years for contravening the Immigration Act.
Sub-editor : Thibela Thandeka
