The woman raped her younger brother on several occasions between 2022 and 2024, the NPA said.
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A Osizweni, Newcastle woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping her eight-year-old biological brother.
The 28-year-old woman was sentenced by the Madadeni Regional Court, after she pleaded guilty in terms of Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, to raping and displaying pornographic material to her brother who was eight years old when the offences began. The woman cannot be named to protect the identity of the child.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the offences took place in the Osizweni area from 2022 to 2024.
“The complainant and the accused are biological siblings, and they resided in the same homestead with their mother. During the period of 2022 to 2024, and whilst the accused was alone with the complainant at home, the accused raped the complainant on diverse occasions. She further displayed pornographic material to him on those occasions. Following the incidents, she threatened him not to tell anyone what she had done.”
The NPA said the matter came to light in 2024 when the child was at a presentation at school about sexual offences and where learners were told to report anyone who touches their private parts.
“This presentation encouraged him to report the matter to his mother. The complainant was taken to the Madadeni Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) for medical and psychosocial support. The police were informed, and the accused was subsequently arrested.”
In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Zama Zikalala emphasised that the accused had abused a position of trust as the victim’s older sister. The victim’s mother also testified about the behavioural impact the abuse has had on her son.
The court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment for rape and five years’ imprisonment for exposing a minor to pornographic material. She was further declared unfit to possess a firearm, and the court ordered that her name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The NPA said it welcomed the sentence as the fight against sexual violence, particularly against children, remains a top priority.
“The expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) across the country from 55 in 2020/21 to 66 currently continues to play a vital role in providing comprehensive support to victims of sexual offences.”
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