AN innocent nine-year-old girl who lived through the pain of being constantly raped for years by her mother’s boyfriend, took the first step to recovery when her rapist was locked away for good on Friday.
Her 35-year-old sex pest stepfather was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison at the eSikhawini Regional Magistrate’s Court.
For her, the court’s decision means the beginning of a new chapter with a glimpse of a brighter future.
She might not be able to erase or rewrite the past, but she will now at least be able to live her life without fear of further violation.
Her stepfather was arrested after he was caught in the act by a male relative in their home at Bhekizitha Reserve outside eSikhaleni earlier this year.
Reports suggested the man had committed the dreadful act many times before he was arrested.
After the incident the victim was sent to hospital for a medical examination, and after a medical certificate confirmed rape the man was charged.
The rapist maintained his innocence throughout the trial, and according to state prosecutor Esmeralda Royappen, he showed no remorse for his actions.
‘Our country in facing a crisis of epidemic proportions in respect of rape,’ said Royappen during her argument.
Even though the state did not have DNA to link the perpetrator to the offense, several testimonies convinced the court to find him guilty of the crime.
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