By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE – The Limpopo High Court in Polokwane has handed down a life sentence to Mboneni Simon Ratshikata (56) of Muledane Village for the rape of a four-year-old girl.
Ratshikata was also sentenced to an additional three years for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence and malicious damage to property.
During the trial, Ratshikata pleaded not guilty. However, the state presented compelling evidence from witnesses, who testified that on May 26, 2012, Ratshikata threw stones at the windows of the victim’s homestead in Muledane Village.
When the victim’s brother left the house to seek assistance from the police, Ratshikata forcibly entered the house and raped the young child.
Upon their return, the police found both Ratshikata and the victim naked, leading to his immediate arrest.
In aggravating the sentence, state advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo highlighted the profound trauma experienced by the victim and the 13-year delay in finalizing the case due to the accused’s delaying tactics.
She emphasized the accused’s lack of remorse and argued for the imposition of the prescribed minimum sentence.
The court ultimately agreed with the state’s arguments and sentenced Ratshikata to life imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Adv. Ivy Thenga stated, “This demonstrates that the long arm of the law finally caught up with the accused 13 years later.” She commended the diligent work of advocate Ratshibvumo and investigating officer Sergeant Mmbara Ndivhuwo from the Thohoyandou Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
