Justice for Durban teen: Uncle gets life sentence for raping her at their Mayville home

A Durban man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping his 16-year-old niece, a case that highlights the hidden dangers children can face even within their own homes.

The 43-year-old accused lived in the same household as the complainant, her grandmother, and her sister in Mayville.

The abuse began when the grandmother and sister moved away, leaving the teenager in the care of her uncle.

Even after the grandmother returned, the complainant feared speaking out and instead recorded the assaults in a diary. The diary was later discovered by her aunt, who confronted her about the abuse, prompting her to eventually report the matter to the police.

Prosecutor Tanuja Bechan presented testimony from the complainant, her aunt, another relative, and a medical doctor who examined the teenager. .

The State also submitted a J88 medical report and a Victim Impact Statement prepared with Court Preparation Officer Nondumiso Faith Nyembe

In her statement, the teenager described the lasting impact of the abuse: she had once been an “active person who got along with others and was focused on my studies” but now experiences heightened stress, shyness, and anger toward her siblings and others.

“I have undergone severe trauma,” she said.

The court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment, declared him unfit to possess a firearm, and ordered that his name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KwaZulu-Natal, said the conviction demonstrates the NPA’s commitment to combating gender-based violence.

“Curbing the scourge of gender-based violence remains an organisational priority for the NPA. Together with our partners in the Justice Cluster, we will pursue justice for the victims of crime,” she said.

THE MERCURY