Scottburgh man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping eight-year-old girl

A 49-year-old man who raped a minor child and attempted to open a case against the child's mother has been sentenced to life imprisonment for rape by the Scottburgh Regional Court.

- NOMONDE ZONDI [e-mail]

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the victim was eight years old when the man dragged her to the bushes in February 2023, raped her, and threatened her with a knife if she dared to say something.

The victim, who was walking home from school on the fateful day, never said anything when she got home to her aunt and grandmother.

About a week later, the victim went to a local tuckshop with her mother.

"When the accused walked in, the victim became hysterical and asked her mother if they could leave immediately," Ramkisson-Kara added.

Shocked by the unusual behaviour of her child, the mother asked her about it when they got home, and the victim told her about the incident.