‘Teach them to fly’ rapist sentenced to 18 years for attacking two young girls

Bulo, who was a distant relative of the children and shared their clan name, lured the two girls into a separate hut after attending a traditional ceremony at their home. He told them he would teach them how to fly before locking the door.

Once inside, he raped the older child. When the five-year-old tried to intervene, Bulo sexually assaulted her. He then threatened to kill both children if they told anyone what had happened.

Children disclosed the attack months later

The children did not immediately disclose the incident. About six months later, Bulo returned to their home. When they saw him in the living room, they became frightened and ran to their aunt.

It was to their aunt that the children first revealed what had happened. They were then taken to the Mthatha Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical examinations and support.

The delayed disclosure is a significant part of the case. Threats, fear and the age of a child can all affect whether an alleged sexual offence is reported immediately. A later disclosure does not remove the need for a careful investigation and a properly supported court process.

Evidence presented in court

Regional Court Prosecutor Mandisa Mdingi led evidence from both victims. A court preparation officer supported the children during the proceedings, while the prosecution also called the victims’ aunt and the doctor who examined the nine-year-old girl.

The National Prosecuting Authority said the doctor’s findings corroborated the older child’s account. The evidence placed before the court resulted in Bulo’s conviction for the offences.

Cases involving young children can require specialised support because victims may have difficulty explaining traumatic events, particularly when the accused is known to them or has threatened them. Court preparation and child-sensitive services are intended to help victims participate in proceedings while limiting further distress.

Why the court imposed 18 years

The court found that substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment for the rape of a child.

One of the circumstances considered by the court was that Bulo is terminally ill. On that basis, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison rather than life imprisonment.

The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences while also taking into account the circumstances placed before the court. The case involved two very young victims, one of whom was raped and the other sexually assaulted when she attempted to intervene.

NPA welcomes accountability

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Samkelo Mtwana welcomed the sentence and commended the prosecution team, Thuthuzela Care Centre staff and investigators involved in the case.

Mtwana said their work helped ensure that Bulo was held accountable despite the challenges associated with prosecuting sexual offences involving young children.

The case also underlines the role of coordinated support in child sexual offence matters. Investigators, prosecutors, medical professionals, court preparation officers and specialised care centres each contribute to building a case and supporting victims through the justice process.

Support after disclosure

For children and families affected by sexual violence, disclosure can be a difficult and frightening step. The immediate priorities generally include ensuring the child’s safety, seeking medical attention where necessary and connecting the family with specialised support.

In this case, the children were taken to a Thuthuzela Care Centre after speaking to their aunt. The centre’s involvement formed part of the support and evidence-gathering process that followed the disclosure.

Bulo’s conviction and sentence bring the court proceedings to a conclusion, while the details of the case highlight the lasting importance of protecting children, responding seriously to disclosures and ensuring that allegations involving young victims are investigated through the proper channels.