Ex-police officer sentenced to 25 years for rape

DISGRACED ex-police officer, Frederick Soldaat, who was convicted last month for the rape of a 15-year-old girl has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

- THEOLIN TEMBO

It took nine years to convict the former warrant officer after the incident took place in Montagu in August 2016 and was investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).

He also resigned from the police service in 2017.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the Montagu Regional Court sentenced Soldaat to 25 years direct imprisonment after the court deviated from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment due to the accused’s medical condition.

“During the trial, State Advocate Heinrich Koert led evidence, which revealed that the victim’s mother brought the victim to the trauma room following a disagreement with her daughter at home.

“The mother requested the police to assist by taking her to the police station so that she could calm down,” Ntabazalila said.