By Buziwe Nocuze
Hermanus pastor and community leader Marshal Dicks, 54, has been jailed for 22 years for raping a teenager.
Western Cape police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said: “On 15 December 2020, the victim went to Dicks’ house in Lindsford Street, Hermanus, to collect shoes. He was known for giving clothes to people in need.
“He forced the 16-year-old girl into his bedroom and covered her nose and mouth. She passed out and woke up naked.”
The victim didn’t report the assault.
“Her father found out she was pregnant and thought it was rape. He confronted the suspect, who denied it,” said Manyana.
“After the baby was born, DNA proved the suspect was the father.”
On Tuesday, the Hermanus Regional Court sentenced Dicks to 22 years in jail.
Gcobani Ndzongana, leader of the Hermanus Land Party, said the sentence was too lenient:
“They [the government] say they want to stop rape and fight gender-based violence, but their actions say the opposite.
“The rapist might only stay in jail for 10 or 11 years and be out at 64. He’ll come back and keep raping.
“He should spend more years in jail. He could be out soon. It’s a joke after he ruined a child’s life. It’s disappointing.”
Pictured above: Police lights.
Source: File
