Jailed for life for raping niece, 7

A CONVICTED child rapist has been sentenced to life in prison for the crimes he committed against his niece when she was seven years old.

In August, the 49-year-old pleaded not guilty to charges relating to sexual assault and rape committed in 2014, and entered a plea explanation.

He was married to the mother of the child’s sister and was a breadwinner for the Kraaifontein family. The child was placed under her aunt’s care.

She was afraid to visit her mother, where the rape occurred, and was scared to have contact with the accused, according to the probation officer’s report.

The State said the child’s mother severely assaulted her and got a 10-year suspended sentence for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and failure to report a sexual crime committed against children.

State prosecutor Yolanda Pretorius said: “The victim was last seen by a prosecutor during September 2014. She was very emotional and struggled to recall all of the incidents.

“It was then arranged that she came to Parow every second Monday for court prep and to read her statement. By doing this we managed to secure a conviction against the accused.”

The girl’s mother found her in a compromising position on two occasions, Pretorius argued.

“Once where the accused was sitting on his bed with his pants down and where the complainant was standing in front of him.

“Once where the accused was lying on the bed with his pants open and when the complainant pulled her hand away when the mother entered.”

The State said the child was a honest and reliable witness, and remained consistent in her allegations even during cross-examination.

The uncle told the court he was never alone with the complainant at any stage, but later during cross-examination conceded there might have been times when they could have been alone together. The State said it was clear from medical evidence there had been penetration.

“The court is the upper guardian of all children and in this case the complainant is looking at the court for justice for what has been done to her.

“She was a young vulnerable child, seeking help, looking into the eyes of the people that knew what was happening to her, pleading for help and received none,” Pretorius said.