Brave police work secures justice for nine year old Tsakane rape victim

Sergeant Fikile Zitha of the Brakpan Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) has secured a conviction of Thulani Sibeko, for the rape of a nine-year-old girl in Tsakane.

Sibeko, aged 39, recently appeared before the Tsakane Magistrate Court where he was convicted on two counts of rape and one count of kidnapping.

For the first count of rape,  Thulani Sibeko received a life sentence. He was also sentenced to life imprisonment for the second count of rape and an additional ten years for the kidnapping charge.

“The incident occurred in March 2016, involved the victim, who was walking to Tsakane Mall with a friend.  Thulani followed them to the mall and called the victim over. He requested her to go and buy a cigarette for him. Upon her return, he gave her a toy and convinced her to come to his home, claiming her mother was waiting for her. Once at his residence, he raped her and subsequently continued to rape her the following day. After being released, the young girl courageously informed her grandmother about the incident, leading to the registration of a case for rape and kidnapping at the Tsakane Police Station,” police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majang Skalkie explained.

This case highlights the distressing issue of child sexual abuse, and it is vital to recognize the remarkable bravery exhibited by the victim and her family in coming forward to report this crime.

Ekurhuleni  District Commissioner, Major General Anna Sithole commended her exceptional dedication and commitment in securing justice for a young victim of a heinous crime. She further said Sgt Zitha is an exemplary to the service, and her work not only brought justice to the victim but it fostered hope within our community