An uncle was sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping and attempting to murder his niece.
The man – who is 21 years old – was convicted and sentenced at the Empangeni Regional Court on Monday.
His identity is being withheld to protect the identity of the child, since they are relatives.
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Police said in a statement that on October 17, 2015 the victim – who was nine years old at the time – was at home when she was approached by her uncle who attempted to strangle her.
He raped her in the home.
“The victim cried for help and the accused fled the scene. A case of rape and attempted murder was opened at Empangeni police station and the case was transferred to Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit.”
Police said the investigation that followed led to the arrest of the accused.
“He was charged accordingly and was taken to court to face his deeds. Eventually he was convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and three years for attempted murder.”
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KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Bheki Langa welcomed the sentence handed down to the accused.
“It is disturbing to hear that the man who was supposed to protect his niece is the one who abused and raped her. We cannot tolerate such behaviour by anyone and I encouraged the abused women and children to break the silence and report such incidents without any fear,” he said.