The Johannesburg Magistrates Court has sentenced 29-year-old Lloyd Nyikadzino to two life terms for repeatedly raping an eight-year-old girl between September and November 2021.

NABBED IN ABANDONED BUILDING 

Lloyd was apprehended after he was pointed out by the victim at a line-up, which happened at an abandoned building in Johannesburg. NPA Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said that the police investigation also uncovered that on 17 September 2021, the minor was raped while walking to school passing by the old Y-FM building in Johannesburg. "The accused dragged her into the building where he resided and committed the heinous crime and threatened to harm her if she disclosed the incident," said.

ANOTHER VICTIM

When the girl went home, she told her mother about the incident. They then tried to look for the accused but were unsuccessful. In another horrific incident, the accused again on 17 November 2021, ambushed the victim en route to school and raped her. The victim and her mother contacted the police, who responded quickly and Lloyd was apprehended.

SUPPORT OFFERED TO VICTIM

Mjonondwane said Teddy Bear Clinic offered counselling and support to the victim. "Court preparation officer, Dineo Theoha, also helped by drafting the Victim Impact Statement, which was presented in court to support the aggravation of the sentence, which revealed that the victim is having difficulty moving forward. She no longer wants to go outside or play with other children. Her grief has intensified since the passing of her mother," Mjonondwane added. In aggravation of the sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor Takalani Mafune argued that the accused exploited a vulnerable child for selfish reasons and that the court needs to protect society by removing the accused.