The Limpopo High Court in Polokwane has sentenced a 45-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping a nine-year-old girl during his wedding celebration in Dennilton.
The man, whose name is withheld to protect the victim’s identity, committed the crime on 24 December 2023.
Bride’s Relatives Offered Overnight Accommodation
After the wedding, the bride’s family, including the victim, her mother, two aunts and younger sibling, slept in a room at the bride’s home.
In the early hours, the groom entered their room, carried the child to an unoccupied bedroom, and raped her.
The victim screamed, prompting him to flee. Her mother found her naked and immediately alerted the police.
The Groom Denied Charges Despite Evidence
The man pleaded not guilty, but State Advocate Shirley Mawasha presented a strong case, including DNA results. A J88 medical report and damning testimony from the groom’s uncle, who said the man had admitted to sexually assaulting a child and showed remorse.
Court Condemns Groom’s Actions
The judge criticised the man for betraying the trust of both families and described his actions as “fit for movies, not real life”.
The court found that the man’s arrogance and lack of remorse aggravated the situation.
It stressed that he should have been with his bride on his wedding night, not preying on a child.
The court sentenced him to life in prison, declared him unfit to own a firearm.
His name was added to the National Register for Sexual Offenders, and barred from working with children.
NPA Welcomes Sentence
The National Prosecuting Authority said the sentence affirms the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and deterring gender-based violence.
How can communities hold offenders accountable while supporting young victims of sexual violence in their recovery?
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