Victim awoke to find uncle, 63, raping her — Court hands down 8‑year sentence

Northern Cape – A 63-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment by the Prieska Regional Court in the Nothern Cape after being found guilty of raping his 31-year-old niece in an incident dating back to 2021.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred on Friday, 24 September 2021, after the victim returned home from a tavern.

“She went to sleep,” SAPS said. “During the night, she awoke to find her uncle on top of her, allegedly having sex with her without consent.”

The victim managed to push him away and fled the bedroom, running to the kitchen where the suspect allegedly followed her and attempted to prevent her from reporting the matter.

In an act of self-defence, she poured boiling water over him before escaping to a neighbour’s house, from where she was taken to hospital for medical assistance.

A case of rape was opened at Prieska Police Station and investigated by Detective Sergeant Riaan van Wyk of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

The suspect was arrested and appeared in court, where he pleaded not guilty. However, after a legal process lasting more than four years, he was convicted and sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment. He has also been declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The District Commissioner of Pixley ka Seme District, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, welcomed the outcome, saying: “We commend the investigating officer for his diligence and meticulous work in ensuring the successful finalisation of the case.”