Justice served: Life sentence for Mitchells Plain uncle who abused his nieces

A 34-year-old man has been sentenced to an effective life term by the Mitchells Plain Regional Court after being convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting and raping his three minor nieces over several years.

The accused was found guilty on five counts of sexual assault, two counts of flashing, and three counts of rape. He has not been named to protect the identities of the victims and to prevent secondary victimisation.

The court imposed three life sentences and an additional 35 years direct imprisonment, ordering that the sentences run concurrently, effectively sentencing the accused to life behind bars.

In addition, the court declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and the National Child Protection Register for Persons Unsuitable to Work with Children.

The court further ruled that the victims are entitled, in terms of Section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act, to make representations should the accused ever be considered for parole, day parole, correctional supervision, or appear before the parole board.

During the trial, Regional Court Prosecutor C Adams led evidence from the three sisters, who testified about the abuse they suffered from 2008 at the hands of a man they trusted as their uncle.

The court heard that the abuse began after the children’s parents separated and their father gained custody. The eldest victim initially did not report the abuse due to threats made by the accused and fears about the impact disclosure would have on the family.

After later moving to live with her mother, she urged her younger sister to contact her if the accused touched her.

When that call eventually came, the matter was reported, and the eldest sister also came forward to disclose her own experiences, which she had concealed for years.

In its judgment, the court found the three complainants to be credible witnesses with a remarkable recollection of events, noting that their evidence corroborated each other on key aspects, including living arrangements and the accused’s conduct. The court further found that the accused exploited opportunities when he was alone with the victims, demonstrating a clear modus operandi.

The accused denied the allegations and called only his mother as a defence witness. She alleged that the victims’ mother had influenced them to falsely implicate him. The court rejected this version, finding it riddled with inconsistencies and improbabilities, and ruled that the State had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

NPA Spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the sentence underscored the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes against children.

“This sentence reflects the gravity of the crimes committed against vulnerable victims by someone who was supposed to protect them,” Ntabazalila said. “The NPA remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences against children are held fully accountable.”

He also praised the victims for their courage in testifying, saying their actions ensured justice and should encourage other victims and witnesses to come forward.

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