A Fish Hoek man was sentenced to a total 45 years imprisonment in the Wynberg Regional Court for 21 counts of sexual offences, including what was described as the “cruel, degrading and inhumane” treatment of two children. Magistrate Nontuthuzelo Ralarala said the accused had exploited two young boys when they were at their most vulnerable.
The accused worked with young people on a regular basis, and would target his victims at church. The two children approached him for help as their mother was no longer able to care for them.
“It is clear that you took time to groom the boys,” Ralarala said to the accused.
She added that he had violated his duty to protect the boys as they saw them as a father figure. “But you violated that for your own selfish needs. You took advantage of the fact that they were neglected and in need of a home,” she said.
The man was sentenced to four years for sexual grooming, two years for exposing the children to pornography, 15 years for a total of six counts of rape, 12 years for six counts of sexual assault, as well as a further 12 years for six counts of child abuse.
His name and details are now also recorded in the register for sexual offenders.
State prosecutor, Chesiree Moiralie, also added that the boys are still developing identities, and they should not have ever been exposed to sexual assault and pornography.
The court concluded that the man poses a danger to all children, and this has only been compounded by him not showing any remorse.
He now faces 19 years imprisonment – 18 of the 21 sentences run concurrently.
Picture: Pixabay