The Pietermaritzburg Regional Court convicted and sentenced Arnold Nkodea (29) who is known as ‘Rasta’ to life imprisonment for rape. In September 2016, the victim (13) went to visit her father in Peace Valley. He was not at the house at the time and she found his roommate. The accused raped the victim and threatened to kill her if she reported the incident. The rape occurred on several occasions during September and October 2016 until her mother noticed that something was wrong with her.

A case of rape was opened at Plessislaer police station and the accused was arrested. The docket was assigned to the Plessislaer Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for investigation. Detectives ensured that the accused faced the full might of law. He made several court appearances whilst he remained in custody until he was sentenced to life imprisonment. His name will be included in the Sexual Offenders Register.

Source: South African Police Service