By AGISANANG SCUFF
27 August 2026 –A man was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Zeerust Regional Court for rape. On 27 July 2024, the victim’s mother left her children, together with the children of a friend at the residence she shared with the accused, Sunnyboy Manyako before accompanying him to a local tavern.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said while at the tavern, the victim’s mother’s friend enquired about the whereabouts of her children and subsequently went to the residence to fetch them. Mabasa said the evidence before the court revealed that Manyako later left the tavern and returned to the residence, where he found the victim awake with her sibling.
“He proceeded to rape the child before leaving the residence again. Later that evening, the victim’s mother returned home and enquired about the whereabouts of Manyako. The victim then disclosed the rape to her mother.
“The mother searched for the accused, found him in the street, and returned with him to the residence, where the victim repeated her account in his presence. Manyako subsequently assaulted the victim’s mother,” she said.
Mabasa further said she fled to her parental home for safety and the matter was reported to the authorities. She added that this led to the accused’s arrest and prosecution.
“During sentencing proceedings, state prosecutor Kagiso Modibedi urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, emphasising the gravity of sexual offences against children and the need for courts to send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
“In agreeing with the state’s submissions, the court found that the accused had breached the trust placed in him. The victim had been left at his residence, a place where she should have been safe and protected. Instead, the accused exploited that trust and subjected her to a horrific sexual assault,” said Mabasa.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence, stating that it appropriately reflects the seriousness of the offence and the devastating impact that sexual violence has on children and their families. Makhari also acknowledged the valuable support provided by the Thuthuzela Care Centre, which assistance helped ensure that the victim received the necessary care and support throughout the prosecution process.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences against children are held accountable and that victims receive the support and protection they need throughout the criminal justice process,” she said.
The Guardian 