Retired police officer sentenced to life in prison for granddaughter's rape
A 78-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for the rape of his then 10-year-old granddaughter nearly 18 years ago.
The Sterkspruit Regional Court in the Eastern Cape handed down the sentence on Thursday.
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The police officer, who was 60 and stationed in Free State at the time of the incident, raped the minor during a visit to his home at Ntabemhlophe village in the district of Sterkspruit.
Provincial National Prosecution Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali says the family concealed the incident.
"When the young girl reported the incident to the grandmother, who is the wife of the rapist, the mother did not believe her and the rapist denied it, which led to another abuse by the grandmother as she was assaulted (by her),” explains Tyali.
"The matter remained unreported up until 2015 when the victim was old enough to approach the police by herself and then the investigation was done and the old man was arrested."
Tyali adds that this case will go a long way in encouraging other victims to bring their perpetrators to book.