Justice has been served for a 10-year-old victim, who was raped from the age of 8-years-old, between 2023 and 2025, by the same accused in Kuyasa.
A 24-year-old perpetrator was the neighbour of the victim, allegedly started raping her. The young girl was too afraid to report her ordeal.
On 5 May 2025, a friend realised that something was bothering her, subsequently resulting in her confiding in her friend, leading to them reporting the matter to a teacher.
Warrant Officer Melany Oliphant of De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit was informed about the incident and led the investigation.
The South African Police Service managed to arrest the suspect on 6th May 2025 and he was denied bail while proper investigating was underway.
The accused was denied bail and remained in custody until the finalisation of the trial. The accused was found guilty recently on two counts of rape in the Colesberg Regional Court.
He was convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for rape on count 1 and on count 2, he was convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for rape.
The court further declared that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Detective Warrant Officer Melany Oliphant of De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for her meticulous investigation work and exceptional support that resulted in the pivotal incarceration, sending a strong message that the police will not turn a blind eye when crimes against women and children are reported.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
