The Nelspruit Sexual Offences Court has sentenced a 42-year-old pastor, Dumisani Khumalo, to life imprisonment for the rape of a 14-year-old minor on July 25, 2020.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, said the victim and a friend were on their way to a shop in Sifunindlela in the KaBokweni district when Khumalo offered the girls a lift. Khumalo, who had convinced the victim to stay in the car under pretences he had something to discuss with her, dropped the other girl off at the shop. He then, made a U-turn and drove to a playground where he proceeded to rape the victim.

After the attack, the victim managed to escape to a neighbour’s house and reported the rape. The neighbour then assisted the victim in reporting the incident to the police, after which Khumalo was arrested.

During the trial, Khumalo pleaded not guilty and attempted to discredit the victim, portraying her as someone intent on destroying his reputation.

However, State Prosecutor John Mahlwele presented compelling evidence, including testimonies from the victim and an eyewitness, and medical reports. The court found these credible. 

In addition, a victim impact statement revealed the profound effects the assault had on the victim, including a decline in her academic performance, fear of being alone, and a previous suicide attempt.

Before handing down the sentence, Magistrate Recardo Cloete remarked on Khumalo’s lack of remorse throughout the trial. He asserted that there were no justifiable reasons to deviate from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment, mandated by law for such a grievous crime. Khumalo was thus sentenced to life imprisonment, with an order for his name to be added to the National Register of Sexual Offenders, rendering him unfit to work with children.

“This case serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect vulnerable individuals in society and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions,” Nyuswa said.