Life sentence for Boschfontein man who raped nine-year-old girl
Lazarus Manzini, 46, who had lured his nine-year-old victim threatened the girl to not tell anybody about the incident.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Media
A child rapist will serve life behind bars after being sentenced in the Boschfontein Regional Court this week.
Lazarus Manzini, 46, who had lured his nine-year-old victim when she enquired about the whereabouts of her grandmother, threatened the girl not to tell anybody about the incident.
Despite his attempts to cover his detestable deed, a vigilant neighbour noticed the girl was struggling to walk and appeared distressed while she was playing with a group of friends, said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa.
The victim was living with her grandmother in Boschfontein at the time of the incident.
Throughout the trial, the man maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty.
“On 5 November 2021, the victim was walking home from playing with friends when she encountered Manzini. He deceived her by claiming her grandmother had gone to a nearby butchery to buy meat. Unable to find her grandmother there, she returned home, where Manzini grabbed her, dragged her to his house, and raped her. He then threatened her not to tell anyone.
“The following day, while playing with friends, another neighbour noticed the victim struggling to walk and appearing distressed. Upon inspection, the neighbour found her bleeding and, after questioning, learned of the rape, identifying Manzini as the perpetrator,” said Nyuswa.
The grandmother was informed, and the victim was taken to the Tonga Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical examination and psychosocial support. The police were notified, leading to Manzini’s arrest.
In court, Manzini pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations.
However, Nyuswa stated that the State prosecutor Joshua Sibeko presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony (facilitated through intermediary services to minimise trauma), as well as testimonies from the grandmother and neighbour.
“A J88 medical report confirmed the injuries. The court found the State’s witnesses credible and dismissed Manzini’s defence as implausible. In aggravation, Sibeko argued that Manzini, as a neighbour, was expected to protect the victim, not violate her, and urged the court to impose the prescribed life sentence.
“(Sibeko) submitted a Victim Impact Statement, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lizzy Mhlongo, which detailed the victim’s psychological trauma, enduring fear, and declining school performance.”
The court, finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate, sentenced Manzini to life imprisonment, declared him unfit to possess a firearm, and ordered his name added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Nyuswa said the NPA welcomed the sentence, reaffirming its dedication to justice for gender-based violence victims and building safer communities.
“This ruling sends a clear message that sexual violence against children will face the full force of the law, and the NPA remains resolute in its pursuit of justice,” said Nyuswa.
chevon.booysen@inl.co.za