The Gqeberha Regional Court has handed down significant sentences to two brothers, aged 30 and 22, for the rape of their minor cousin. The older brother, Nkululeko, has been sentenced to life imprisonment, while his younger brother, Melumzi, has received a 10-year prison term. The convictions stem from incidents that occurred in June 2014 at a residence in Soweto on Sea near Gqeberha.
The victim, who was just seven years old at the time of the offenses, bravely testified against her cousins, revealing a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse. According to testimony, the older brother would often assault the victim when her aunt was not present, and on one occasion, he instructed his younger brother to rape her as well.
The court also heard evidence from the victim’s mother, who discovered the abuse after finding a letter written by her daughter. A medical report confirmed the possibility of penetration, and a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) detailed the significant psychological and emotional trauma the victim has endured.
Regional Court Prosecutor, Wonga Jita, led the evidence, and Court preparation officer (CPO), Eric Blouw, compiled the VIS. The brothers’ names will be entered into the sexual offenders register.
Director of Public Prosecutions for the Eastern Cape, Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence, stating that it sends a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be held accountable.
