By Staff Reporter
NKOWANKOWA – The Nkowankowa Regional Court delivered a significant judgment on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, sentencing 31-year-old Frederick Mnisi to 10 years of imprisonment for the rape of a 14-year-old girl.
The conviction brings a measure of justice for the young victim and underscores the commitment of the legal system to addressing sexual offenses.
The court proceedings revealed that the harrowing incident occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at approximately 19:00. The victim was at her home when her friend arrived in the company of his uncle, later identified as Frederick Mnisi. They requested that she accompany them to a nearby residence belonging to the uncle’s girlfriend.
Upon their arrival at the girlfriend’s house, the friend went inside to call her. It was at this point that Mnisi suggested to the young girl that they should leave, citing the strict nature of his girlfriend’s parents. As they walked away from the house, they reached a nearby sports ground.
There, Mnisi’s intentions turned sinister.
He demanded sexual intercourse with the victim, who bravely refused his advances. Ignoring her pleas, Mnisi forcibly grabbed the teenager and compelled her to undress before subjecting her to the horrific act of rape. Following the assault, Mnisi left briefly to relieve himself, providing the victim with a crucial opportunity to flee and seek assistance.
The traumatized young girl immediately reported the crime to the police, leading to the opening of a case. The docket was subsequently transferred to the Tzaneen Family Violence Children Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, a specialized unit dedicated to handling such sensitive cases.
Sergeant Klaas Mulungwa was assigned to conduct further investigations into the matter. His diligent efforts led to the tracing and arrest of Frederick Mnisi on Monday, October 21, 2019, just over a week after the crime was committed. Mnisi was initially granted bail but faced the full weight of the law as the investigation progressed, culminating in his conviction on Tuesday.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Major General Manala, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the case. He welcomed the conviction and the significant sentence handed down to Mnisi, emphasizing the importance of holding perpetrators of sexual crimes accountable. Major General Manala also commended the investigating officer, Sergeant Klaas Mulungwa, for his dedication and hard work in ensuring that justice was served for the victim.
