Man,46, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for raping his friend's 4-year-old daughter in South Africa

46-year-old Paulus Hermanus de Jager has been sentenced by Upington Regional Court for the 2014 rape of a 4-year-old girl, the South Africa Police Service said on Saturday, February 17.

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Risimati Shivuri welcomed the sentence and lauded the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Marius Struwig for his meticulous investigation which resulted in the sentencing of de Jager.

The incident happened on 12/10/2014 at the victim's house. De Jager who was a family friend at the time entered the victim's room and raped her.

After a thorough investigation, De Jager was arrested and charged with rape.

He was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with three year suspended for five years.

"The sentence will send a clear message that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that crimes against women and children are prioritised." said Lieutenant General Risimati Shivuri.