The man is a traditional healer and has been raping children in the area.
A 91-year-old man from Carolina, east of Ermelo, has been given 12 life sentences for raping children.
The rapes were committed a decade ago but finally justice is served.
Police said the nonagenarian Johannes Malinga was sentenced on 27 July 2018 by the Carolina Regional Court. These rapes were committed between 2006 and 2007.
“The court heard how Malinga, who claimed to be a traditional healer, sexually exploited children aged between seven and nine that were brought to him to be healed. Some of the children slept over at his house so that he could perform the rituals/rites and in the process Malinga took advantage and raped them. Three of the victims were also assaulted seriously by the accused,” police spokesman Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said.
The children’s parents noticed some strange behaviour from the kids and investigations pointed to Malinga.
“They then took the children for medical examination and rape was indeed confirmed. Twelve children came forth and opened cases, hence the 12 life sentences.
“Malinga was further granted a three year sentence for each of the three assault cases however, the court ordered that all the sentences will run concurrently,” Hlathi said.
Hlathi said this was evident that police, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Judiciary were working tirelessly to ensure that criminal elements were being removed from society.
“A number of offenders were sent to prison for very lengthy periods including, inter-alia, life sentences for various offences, among them offences against women and children,” Hlathi said.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma welcomed the sentences and hailed the cooperation of the three entities in securing these sentences. He said he believed the sentences would serve as a deterrent to other would-be criminals.
(edited by MLM)
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