Tuesday, September 3, 2024 - The Nelspruit Court in South Africa has sentenced a 42-year-old pastor, Dumisani Khumalo, to life imprisonment for abusing a 14-year-old girl in 2020.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) DPP Mpumalanga Regional
spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, in a statement on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, said
the assault had adverse effects on the victim, including a decline in her
academic performance, fear of being alone, and a previous suicide attempt.
“The court's ruling delivered today underscores the serious nature of
sexual offences against children and the commitment to ensuring justice for
victims,” the statement read.
"The incident occurred on 25 July 2020, when the victim was on her
way to the shop with a friend in Sifunindlela, located in the KaBokweni
district.
"Khumalo offered the girls a lift in his vehicle. After dropping
off the friend to buy something at the shop, Khumalo manipulated the situation
by driving past the store, making a U-turn, and ultimately parking at a
playground, where he proceeded
to rape the victim.
In the aftermath of the attack, the victim managed to escape and went to
a neighbour, where she reported the horrific event. Following her disclosure,
the accused was apprehended by the police.
"During the trial, Khumalo pleaded not guilty and attempted to
discredit the victim, portraying her as someone intent on destroying his
reputation.
"However, State Prosecutor John Mahlwele presented compelling
evidence, including testimonies from the victim, an eyewitness, and medical
reports, which the court found credible.
"Additionally, a victim impact statement revealed the profound
effects the assault had on the victim, including a decline in her academic
performance, fear of being alone, and a previous suicide attempt.
"Before sentencing, Magistrate Recardo Cloete remarked on Khumalo's
lack of remorse throughout the trial. He asserted that there were no
justifiable reasons to deviate from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment
mandated by law for such a grievous crime.
"Khumalo was thus sentenced to life imprisonment, with an order for
his name to be added to the National Register of Sexual Offenders, rendering
him unfit to work with children.
"The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) expressed satisfaction
with the sentence, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to prosecuting cases
related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide.
“This case serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect vulnerable
individuals in society and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.”
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