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The Mthatha High Court has sentenced former Department of Education subject advisor, Louis Pepping (58) to life imprisonment for raping a six-year-old girl.
The incident took place at Ngobozana locality in Lusikisiki on September 1, 2019.
ICYMI | Convicted child rapist to appear before Mthatha High court for sentencing
The victim was sent to buy chips at a spaza shop near her home when the incident happened. When she did not return as expected, her siblings were then asked to go look for her as it was getting dark.
The victim’s grandmother joined the search and found her with one of her siblings. The victim led her grandmother and community members to the house belonging to Pepping. She identified him as the person who had grabbed her from the street and raped her in his room. Community members assaulted him until he was rescued by a traditional local leader who called the police.
Delivering the judgment, Acting Judge Mvuzo Notyesi agreed with the Senior State Advocate, Mbulelo Nyendwana, that there were substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life for raping a minor.
“You never showed remorse during the court proceedings; you laughed and smiled. You even showed the middle finger,” said Notyesi.
"The sentencing will bring hope to community members."
He added that Pepping is educated, trusted by the community and should have known better. Pepping was not bothered by his sentence as he just danced.
The victim's grandmother said the sentencing was a relief for the family and was the outcome they wanted.
“When the incident happened, we were still new in the area and did not know Pepping. We only saw him after the incident."
She confirmed that the victim is doing great at school.
