In a case that has deeply disturbed the Pretoria community, a former church deacon has been sentenced to life imprisonment for assaulting his 10-year-old niece. The Pretoria magistrate’s court handed down this sentence after convicting the 61-year-old, who previously worked at South Africa’s Department of Public Service and Administration. His actions not only betrayed the trust of his family but also shocked his church community, where he served as a deacon at the International Assemblies of God.

The tragic incident occurred on November 17, 2017. The young girl had been living with her aunt and the accused in Pretoria. On the day of the assault, he took the girl along to his new residence in Mamelodi East, where he was moving some personal items. According to court records, the man assaulted the girl, deceiving her by claiming that they were simply “playing a game” and then instructed her to keep the incident a secret.

For an entire year, the young victim remained silent, fearing repercussions. The truth eventually came to light when, overwhelmed by the experience, she confided in her aunt on November 18, 2018. The aunt, horrified by what she learned, immediately reported the incident to the police. This decision marked the beginning of a case that would expose a disturbing pattern of abuse and manipulation.

The accused denied any wrongdoing, suggesting that his wife had concocted the story to drive him out of the family. Despite his denials, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) moved forward with the case, led by prosecutor advocate Annelizer Stiles, who worked meticulously to ensure justice for the young girl.

During the trial, the prosecution presented substantial evidence that painted a clear picture of the accused’s guilt. Key witnesses included the young victim herself, who bravely testified about her ordeal, a medical professional who confirmed the abuse, and the accused’s wife, who also testified. Together, their accounts created a compelling narrative that left no room for doubt about his guilt.

The NPA’s spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, praised the prosecution team, emphasizing how difficult cases involving young victims can be. She commended the resilience of the girl and the aunt for bringing the matter to light, noting that their courage made it possible to prevent further harm.

When it came time for sentencing, the man asked the court for leniency, suggesting a sentence of correctional supervision rather than life imprisonment. He argued that this would allow him to “reflect” on his actions. However, the court rejected this request, pointing out his lack of remorse and the significant emotional and psychological damage caused to the young girl.

In delivering the sentence, the judge stated that the man had taken advantage of a vulnerable child placed in his care, abusing not only his authority but also the trust of both his family and community. By issuing a life sentence, the court sent a strong message that such abuse will not be tolerated, especially when it involves children.

The case has stirred conversations in the Pretoria community and beyond, sparking a call for greater vigilance in protecting children. For many, the fact that this man held a trusted position in both his family and church underscores the need for community awareness and support for young victims.

This tragic event also serves as a reminder of the importance of educating children about personal boundaries and encouraging open communication. Child protection advocates are urging families to create safe spaces where children feel comfortable speaking up if they experience abuse.

The courage of the young girl and her aunt in bringing this case forward has ensured that justice was served, preventing further harm. As communities work together to prevent child abuse, cases like these underscore the necessity of breaking the silence around such issues and ensuring that children receive the support and protection they deserve.

By holding this former deacon accountable, the Pretoria court has set an important precedent. This sentencing not only brings justice to a young victim but also sends a powerful message about the need to safeguard children from those who would exploit their trust.