The Ermelo Regional Court, on June 19, sentenced Wonderboy Liberty Mncina(40) to life behind bars for the rape of a 7‑year‑old boy.
According to Mpumalanga’s police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane, investigation proved, beyond reasonable doubt, details of what transpired on July 07, 2023.
At about 04:00, the small boy was asleep at home with his father when the accused, a family friend, knocked on the door, requesting to spend the night.
“The boy’s father allowed Mncina to sleep over, letting him share the child’s room while he himself, slept in another room. The accused appeared under the influence of alcohol. The boy’s credible testimony told of how Mncina forcefully undressed and raped him while muffling his cries with a cushion,” Ndubane said.
The next morning, the boy told his father, who confronted the accused. Mncina however denied all allegations. The boy was taken to the nearest clinic, where medical staff confirmed anal penetration. The suspect was later traced and arrested on July 17 and charged with rape.
The Investigation Officer left no stone unturned to gather all necessary information to prove Mncina’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt,” Ndubane explained. The prosecution secured a conviction based on strong circumstantial evidence and the credible testimony of the victim.
Mncina was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. The Court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm, in line with legal provisos for convictions involving sexual assault.
