By Doreen Mokgolo
A soccer coach from Ekurhuleni has been sentenced to life in prison for raping a 12-year-old girl.
Vusi Khoza was found guilty of the crime that happened nine years ago.
In 2015, when the girl was playing soccer with friends, Khoza accused them of stealing his soccer training poles and chased after them.
He caught the girl and raped her in an open field.
“The mother reported the matter to the police, and Khoza was arrested three days after the incident on 24 October 2015,” said NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
Khoza denied raping the child and pleaded not guilty.
He asked the court not to impose the prescribed sentence but one of correctional supervision.
State prosecutor Thulwana Jessica Khakhathiba argued against this.
“Khoza didn’t take responsibility for his actions and showed no remorse. Not sending Khoza to direct imprisonment would send a wrong message to society,” Khakhathiba said.
The magistrate agreed with the state that Khoza showed no remorse or regret.
An Ekurhuleni resident, Sophy Mhlongo, said she was relieved Khoza had been sentenced and removed from society.
“This will be a lesson to others that the court of law is on the side of the victims. Our children should be safe and free to play in the local parks without fear,” she said.
Pictured above: Court gavel.
Source: Stock
