In a successful collaboration between the Vrede Family, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Isaiah Modise Ndaba has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a minor.
The Harrismith Regional Court handed down the life term on Thursday, 26 September 2025, after finding the 42-year-old Vrede man guilty.
The court heard that on the afternoon of 24 September 2022, the 12-year-old victim was playing on a swing at her home when Ndaba, her neighbour, approached her. He called her to the fence separating their properties and asked her to accompany him to his house.
The girl agreed, knowing Ndaba as the stepfather of her younger sister. Once inside his home, he instructed her to go to his bedroom, where he raped her.
Following the assault, Ndaba gave the child R5 and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the incident.
The case was reported to the South African Police Service five days after the crime occurred. Ndaba was subsequently arrested and remained in custody, denied bail, throughout the trial until his final sentencing.
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