“I was lustful”: Mitchells Plain man jailed for raping 11-year-old girl

A Mitchells Plain court has sentenced a 54-year-old man, Saadiq Rajap, to 15 years in prison for the rape and sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl. Rajap admitted to touching the girl and knew she was a minor, but claimed the child had consented to his sexual touching. He also alleged that he had been "lustful" at the time of the offences, which occurred on April 10, 2024.

The victim testified that Rajap touched her breasts over her clothing and her private parts, inserting his finger into her vagina. He offered her money to prevent her from reporting the assault. Rajap's inconsistencies in his story led to his conviction. The girl's mother discovered messages related to the incident and took her to the police.

Rajap was also sentenced for sexual assault, with the sentence for that crime wholly suspended. The prosecutor argued that the girl's evidence was clear, credible, and consistent. Rajap was found to have substantial and compelling circumstances for a departure from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Western Cape welcomed the outcome, reaffirming their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice for victims.

Rajap's name has been entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, and he is declared unsuitable to work with children and unfit to possess a firearm. The victim has been informed of her right to make representations should Rajap be considered for parole.