The Gauteng High court has sent a clear message to would-be rapists and perpetrators of gender based violence that such crimes will no longer be tolerated. Nicholas Ninow was sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday (17 Oct) for the rape of a 7-year-old girl at a Dros restaurant in Pretoria last year. A further five years was added to his sentence for drug possession.
The court also added that Ninow’s name should be added to the sexual offender’s registry. The South African society clearly has become intolerant of sexual abuse especially when it is perpetrated against women, children and the elderly who are the most vulnerable in society.
“The Committee applauds the team comprising of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and all those who worked tirelessly to facilitate the process of gathering evidence that was presented before the court in aggravation of the sentence”, said Mapiti Matsena, Chairperson of the portfolio Committee on Community Safety.
She further stated that the committee appealed to the Judiciary to impose similar or harsher sentences against those found guilty of such crimes.
“The Committee further extends its sincere sympathy to the victim and her family for the suffering and trauma they have endured as a result of the senseless act committed by Ninow”, concluded Matsena.
