The Buffalo City District Commissioner, Major General Christopher Wright, has welcomed the heavy sentence imposed on a 56-year-old man convicted of raping his 11-year-old niece.
On 13 January 2024, the suspect visited relatives at Tuba Location in Kwelera, East London, where the young victim lived. The child was asleep in a room with cousins of a similar age. The accused, who was intoxicated and known to sleep at the house, entered the room, forcibly undressed her, and raped her. It was later revealed that this was not the first time he had abused her.
Later that night, the victim woke up and reported the incident to her mother, who then saw the uncle leaving the room where the child had been sleeping.
The matter was only brought to the attention of other family members in April 2024, when a meeting was held. The uncle denied the allegations. That same month, the mother took the child to a clinic, where a medical examination confirmed penetration. A rape case was officially opened on 1 May 2024.
Constable Duma Bam of the Mdantsane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit led the investigation. The suspect was arrested at his home on 9 May 2024 and appeared in court the following day. Bail was successfully opposed, and he remained in custody until the conclusion of the case.
On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, the East London Regional Court found him guilty of rape and sentenced him to 18 years in prison. to possess a firearm, and his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The District Commissioner praised Detective Constable Duma Bam for his thorough investigation, which led to the conviction and sentence.
“The protection of women and children remains a priority for the SAPS. Detectives remain committed to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book,” said Major General Wright.
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