61-year-old man handed 15-year jail sentence for raping 5-year-old in 2016

The Tsomo Regional Magistrate's Court on Wednesday convicted and sentenced a 61-year-old man to undergo 15 years imprisonment for the rape of a five-year-old girl.

"It is alleged that the victim was playing with other children on 01 February 2016, at about 07:00, at Mgobhozweni locality, Tyinirha village, Ngqamakhwe," described police spokesperson, Captain Jackson Manatha.

"The victim was called by the accused - Mzimkhulu Sotomela, to his house where he raped her.

"A case of rape was registered at Ngqamakhwe police station. The case was taken over by the Butterworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for further investigation."

The suspect was later traced and arrested.

Butterworth Cluster Commander, Brigadier Ngangema Xakavu, welcomed the sentence.

He was disappointed that a 61-year-old man was found guilty of raping a minor as he was the one, who was supposed to look after children and women.