By Augustine Ehikioya
After six years of raping a child, Olifantshoek Regional Court in Northern Cape Province has sentenced the accused, Andy Katlolo Melwane, 30 years old to 20 years imprisonment.
Melwane had pounced on the girl in August 2015 while she was playing on the street and then dragged her to the nearby veld where he raped and assaulted her.
According to a press statement issued by Colonel Dimakatso Sello of the South African Police Service, Northern Cape Province, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA) on Wednesday, the rapist had also threatened the victim’s cousin with a knife and chased him away before he succeeded in the evil act.
Sello said “The Olifantshoek Regional Court sentenced Andy Katlolo Melwane (30) to 20 years imprisonment for raping a then 13-year-old girl.
“Melwane raped the child on 30 August 2015. The victim was playing on the street when the accused accosted and dragged her to the nearby veld where he raped and assaulted her.
“The victim’s cousin who was also a minor tried to assist but Melwane threatened him with a knife and chased him away.
“Melwane was later arrested and was convicted and sentenced on 07 September 2021 after several court appearances. He was sentenced to 20 years for rape and five years for assault. The sentences will run concurrently,” Sello stated.
The statement also noted that the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Boikanyo Pilane of Kathu Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) was commended for the meticulous investigation that ensured that justice was served.
It reads “The Provincial Head for FCS in the Northern Cape, Brigadier Nicky Mills has welcomed the sentence and applauded the investigating officer, Sergeant Boikanyo Pilane of Kathu FCS for the meticulous investigation that ensured that justice is served.
“No stone will be left unturned in the fight against any form of crime or violence perpetrated against women and children,” it states.