A grandfather who raped a child multiple times for years has been sentenced to life in prison by the Klerksdorp Regional Sexual Offences Court this week. Court evidence indicated that the 66-year-old perpetrator committed these acts against the victim from 2017 to 2022 in Stilfontein, North West.

MATTER REPORTED TO A FRIEND THROUGH A LETTER

During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that the victim had written a letter to a school friend several years later, detailing her traumatic experience. Police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba, stated that the friend subsequently informed the school about the assaults, prompting them to notify the victim's mother. "The matter was finally reported to the police, and the accused was eventually arrested in August 2022. The accused made several court appearances until he was sentenced on Tuesday, 25 February 2025," said Manyoba. The acting provincial police commissioner, Major-General Patrick Asaneng, has welcomed the sentence and commended the child, her friend, and the school authorities for their courage in bringing the grandfather to justice. He also acknowledged the efforts of the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Dave Venter, and the prosecutor, Advocate Wilna Cordie, along with all others involved in securing the conviction.

MADALA ARRESTED FOR RAPING A DOG 

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a 75-year-old man has been apprehended in Ficksburg, Free State, on charges of bestiality and violating the Animal Protection Act after his wife caught him raping one of their dogs. Free State police spokesperson, Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, said they were alerted to the alleged crime by an animal care group operating in the area. The group contacted the police after rescuing a dog believed to have been sexually abused by its owner. The suspect, who has a 12-year-old Jack Russell and two other dogs, was reportedly caught in the act by his wife upon her return from a local clinic. "The wife arrived home from the local clinic when she found the pensioner having sex with a dog. The three dogs were taken to the local vet for examination by the investigating team. The case is being investigated by the Ficksburg Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit," he said. The old man will appear before the Fickburg Magistrates Court tomorrow.