A 42-year-old man from the Driekop village in Limpopo has been handed a hefty sentence of three terms of life in prison by the Burgersfort Regional Court for raping a nine-year-old boy in 2020.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the accused, Samuel Boomfire Mbuyane, is a well-known hip hop artist from Driekop village.

Mbuyane lured the boy to his Driekop village home between November 6 and 8, 2020, under the guise 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’.”

The accused provided the boy with a phone that had an alarm set to remind him to return for further assaults, according to Malabi-Dzhangi.

“The victim, coerced by fear, returned twice and was raped again on each occasion.”

Malabi-Dzhangi said the abuse came to light when the victim’s mother noticed his physical pain and distress.

She said community members then apprehended Mbuyane and alerted the police, leading to his arrest. “Mbuyane pleaded not guilty, denying the allegations.”

The NPA said a compelling case was presented by State Prosecutor Thandi Mafolo.

It was supported by the now 14-year-old victim’s testimony, 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.” 

Malabi-Dzhangi stated that the court found the prosecution’s evidence credible and rejected Mbuyane’s defence as baseless, affirming the gravity of his predatory actions.

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.

Mafolo highlighted the victim’s lifelong trauma and the pervasive GBV in South Africa, urging the court to impose three life terms under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 to deter similar crimes and protect society.

The NPA said the presiding magistrate agreed, stating: “The accused’s calculated and brutal violation of a defenceless child demands permanent removal from society.”

Finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate, the court imposed three life terms to run concurrently, alongside firearm restrictions and sex offender registry inclusion, said Malabi-Dzhangi.

The NPA commended the courage of the young victim, whose disclosure, supported by his mother and community, ensured accountability.

Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Ivy Thenga praised the prosecutor and Investigating Officer Sergeant Jacob Letsatsi Mojalefa for their meticulous work.

“This sentence sends a resolute message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue predators who target children, ensuring justice restores safety and dignity,” said Thenga.

Malabi-Dzhangi added that the NPA’s partnership with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided critical psychosocial support to the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach.

The NPA urged communities to remain vigilant in protecting children by reporting abuse promptly and supporting survivors through TCCs, which provide medical, psychological, and legal assistance.

“This case highlights the critical role of parents and community members in recognising signs of distress and taking decisive action.

“The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children can heal and thrive, free from fear and stigma, and ensuring justice upholds their constitutional rights.”

karen.singh@inl.co.za

Source link