Limpopo artist sentenced to three life terms for raping 9-year-old boy
A 42-year-old Limpopo hip hop artist has been sentenced to three life terms in prison for the repeated rape of a 9-year-old boy, in what the court called a “calculated and brutal” abuse of trust and power.
The National Proseciting Authority (NPA) said Samuel Boomfire Mbuyane, who is from Driekop village, was convicted by the Burgersfort Regional Court on three counts of rape after evidence revealed he lured the child to his home between November 6 and 8 in 2020.
“Mbuyane lured the 9-year-old victim to his home in Driekop village under the pretence of playing music. Once inside, he restrained the boy by tying him to a chair, raped him, and threatened to kill him if he disclosed the abuse to his family, claiming the victim was his “wife.” Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, NPA Regional Spokesperson, said.
Mbuyane further gave the boy a phone with an alarm set as a reminder to return for additional assaults. The victim, coerced by fear, returned twice and was raped again on each occasion.
“The abuse came to light when the victim’s mother noticed his physical pain and distress. Community members apprehended Mbuyane and alerted the South African Police Service, leading to his arrest”
Mbuyane had pleaded not guilty to all charges, however, according to the NPA, State Prosecutor Thandi Mafolo, “presented a compelling case, supported by the victim’s testimony, now 14 years old, his mother’s account, and medical evidence confirming the assaults”
“A Victim Impact Statement, compiled with the assistance of a Court Preparation Officer, detailed the profound psychological trauma and social stigma the victim faced, including peer ostracism and the need to change schools. The court found the prosecution’s evidence credible and rejected Mbuyane’s defence as baseless, affirming the gravity of his predatory actions”.
The court also declared Mbuyane unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be added to the National Register of Sex Offenders.
“In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Mafolo argued that Mbuyane’s status as a community figure and his exploitation of the victim’s trust warranted the severest penalty”.
Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Ivy Thenga praised the investigative and prosecutorial teams.
“This sentence sends a resolute message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue predators who target children, ensuring justice restores safety and dignity.” The NPA’s partnership with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided critical psychosocial support to the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach”.
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