Man gets 30 years in jail for rape of minor girl in Kutloanong graveyard

A 32-year-old man from Kutloanong in Free State has been sentenced to 30 years direct imprisonment for the rape and indecent assault of a ten-year-old girl.

The incident occurred last year in September.

The Odendaalsrus Regional Court convicted the accused on the charges today.

Evidence before the court revealed that in September 2021, the accused raped a minor girl child at the graveyard in K6 section of Kutloanong.

It is alleged that the victim was playing with her friends in the street, when a man known as Itumeleng the neighbor, grabbed and forcefully took her to the graveyard.

The court heard that the accused, strangled, slapped the victim, and threatened to kill her.

“He ultimately raped the child repeatedly and left her at the scene unconscious,” the court heard.

The victim then walked home and reported the matter to her parents who then took the her to the police station to open the case of rape.

“The case was assigned to detective Mabote Lebone from the child protection and sexual offences unit.

“Through the investigator’s diligence and dedication, the accused was found guilty as charged,” Lejweleputswa police spokesperson captain Stephen Thakeng said.

A forensic assessment report, including a J88 report, was presented to the court, which proved the victim was sexually assaulted.

During the sentencing, the court found that there were compelling circumstances to sentence the accused accordingly, and he was handed down 30 years direct imprisonment.