Deon Broekman (57) was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Mashishing Regional Court in Mpumalanga on Monday for the rape of a 12-year-old girl.
The rape took place in March 2021 in the town. At that stage, the girl and her mother were visiting Broekman, a family friend.
According to Brig. Selvy Mohlala, police spokesperson, revealed in court that the rape took place when the girl’s mother left her alone with Broekman.
“The day after the rape, Broekman gave the girl a mobile phone in an attempt to gag her. However, the girl told her mother about the rape, after which she reported it to the police in Lydenburg,” says Mohlala.
The case was handed over to the police unit against domestic violence, child abuse and sexual offenses (FCS) in Lydenburg to investigate and Broekman was subsequently arrested.
“Overwhelming evidence against him (Broekman) was presented to the court and this led to his conviction and sentence.”
Broekman was also sentenced to two years in prison for sexual preparation, which will be served concurrently with the life sentence.
The court banned Broekman from working with children in the future. He has been declared incompetent to own a firearm and his name will be recorded in the register for sex offenders.
Lt. Gen. Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the provincial police commissioner in Mpumalanga, welcomed the heavy sentence and praised the investigative team for their good work.
“It is disturbing that adults who are supposed to protect innocent children harm them and commit evil acts against them. Justice has been done for this girl and the heavy sentence will hopefully serve as a deterrent to other child rapists,” says Manamela.
