KEY POINTS
- Simon Ratshitake, a 44-year-old man from Limpopo, was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a four-year-old girl in her home in 2012.
- The victim’s mother discovered the crime upon returning from a church service, and the suspect was apprehended at the scene by police.
- After a decade-long legal process, the sentencing has brought closure to the family.
A 44-year-old man from Limpopo, Simon Ratshitake, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal rape of a four-year-old girl in her own home in Tshisaulu village, Thohoyandou.
The incident, which occurred in May 2012, left the community reeling and underscores the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in South Africa.
The crime took place on a night when the victim’s mother had left her children at home to attend a church service. “She rushed home and on arrival, the window burglar-proofing was damaged, and the house was ransacked.
The police were at the scene with the suspect,” said Police Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng.
The mother was abruptly called out of the church and informed that something terrible had happened at home. Upon her return, she was met with a scene of devastation.
“It was explained to her that the suspect was found in the act of raping her four-year-old girl. She was taken for medical treatment, and it was confirmed that the victim was raped,” Thakeng added. The traumatic experience left the family and community in shock, with many calling for swift justice.
Detective Sergeant Reginald Mmbara promptly registered a case encompassing charges of rape, malicious damage to property, and housebreaking. The investigation revealed that Ratshitake had broken into the home, damaged property, and committed the unspeakable act against the defenseless child.
Community outraged as justice was finally served
After a protracted legal process spanning over a decade, Ratshitake was finally sentenced by the Polokwane High Court. He was found guilty on all charges, including rape, housebreaking with intent to commit an offence, and malicious damage to property.
In addition to his life sentence for rape, Ratshitake received three years for housebreaking and a further three years for malicious damage to property. The sentences will run concurrently.
The sentencing has brought a sense of closure to the victim’s family and the broader community.
Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, praising the efforts of the investigative team and the arresting officers. “We are happy that this matter, after so many years, has finally been finalised.
To all those who supported the victim during this difficult time, we applaud and appreciate your continued support,” Hadebe said.
The case has reignited conversations about the need for stronger measures to combat gender-based violence in South Africa.
Activists and community leaders have called for increased awareness campaigns, better support systems for victims, and harsher penalties for perpetrators. The victim, now a teenager, continues to receive counseling and support as she rebuilds her life.
