A SUSPECT, Vusi Thembani Mthimkhulu (35) appeared in the eShowe Regional Court on rape charges.
He was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for raping a seven year-old victim who was playing outside her home in the KwaMagwaza area outside Melmoth.
When her friends went to join her they found her laying on the floor naked with Mthimkhulu next to her.
The friends alerted her grandmother who called the police and Mthimkhulu fled the scene.
A case of rape was opened at the Melmoth Police Station and the docket was transferred to the eShowe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for investigation.
Mthimkhulu was later arrested and charged for rape and he appeared in court several times before being convicted and sentenced.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Mmamonnye Ngobeni said,’This is a victory, not only for the SAPS, but for all vulnerable women and children in this country.
‘The court could not have passed a more fitting sentence and this will certainly send out a strong message to other criminals.
‘We welcome the sentence and are pleased that another monster who preyed on defenceless women and children has been removed from society.
‘I thanked the eShowe FCS Unit who successfully investigated this case to make sure that the accused is convicted,’ she said.
He must rot in prison we are sick and tired of these criminal acts.This man deserves harsh punishment that will send a strong message towards community