20-year sentence for raping 7-year-old girl

A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping a 7-year-old girl in Limpopo.

The Senwabarwana Regional Court handed down the sentence, also ordering the man inclusion in the National Register for Sexual Offenses and deeming him unsuitable to work with children.

The incident occurred on September 5, 2017, at Mohodi Ha Manthata village, where the victim’s grandmother sent her to fetch a house key from a neighbour’s grandson.

Upon her return, the victim’s grandmother noticed signs of distress, including red eyes and dry tears.

The victim initially denied anything was wrong but later revealed 20-year-old neighbour had cut her hair, instructed her to lie on her stomach, and then raped her.

The man was arrested on September 5, 2017, and later granted bail.

He was found guilty on December 6, 2024, and sentenced on March 31, 2025, to 20 years direct imprisonment.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm, and his details will be included in Part B of the National Child Protection Register.

Limpopo police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Robert Tsiri, for his exceptional work.

“The sentencing serves as a deterrent in ensuring that justice is served, especially in cases involving the most vulnerable members of our society,” concluded Lt Gen Hadebe.