A 26-year-old tuckshop owner has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of raping and kidnapping a 13-year-old girl. Image: SAPS
Ethopian
1Min
South Africa
A 26-year-old tuckshop owner has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mahwelereng Regional Court after being found guilty of raping and kidnapping a 13-year-old girl.
A 26-year-old Ethiopian national has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl in Moshate village, under the Mahwelereng policing area in Limpopo.
The Mahwelereng Regional Court sentenced the tuckshop owner on Friday to life imprisonment for rape, five years for kidnapping, and a further two years’ imprisonment or a R5,000 fine for contravening the Immigration Act.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said the incident took place in May 2024. On the day, the victim had gone to the accused’s shop with a friend to buy atchar but was told to return later. When she went back alone, she was locked inside the shop and taken to a bedroom, where she was raped. She was released the following morning.
The victim later informed her mother, and the matter was immediately reported to police. The suspect was arrested the same day at his shop.
The case was transferred to the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for further investigation.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence, saying it reflects the hard work of investigators. She added that the outcome sends a strong message that those who commit crimes against women and children will face the full force of the law.
