Man jailed for raping minor relatives, forcing victim to rape sister

A Johannesburg man who raped his minor relatives aged between six and 12 has been sentenced to five life terms.

A man was sentenced to five life terms for raping minor relatives. Image: Pexs

The Citizen reported on 18 December 2024 that a man received five life terms for the rape of his minor relatives between the ages of six and 12 in Bosmoth, Johannesburg.

During his sentencing, the Johannesburg Regional Court said Ashraf Hartley had given his victims a sentence they would carry all their lives. The 34-year-old’s five life sentences are going to run consecutively.

ASHRAF HARTLEY EXPOSED BY RAPE VICTIM

One of the victims exposed the Johannesburg man by writing a letter to her mom. This was after receiving sex education at school. Hartley was arrested and charged with four counts of rape and one count of compelled rape. This was after investigations by Sergeant Masedi.

Phindi Mjonondwane, Regional Spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said Hartley was adopted. “The investigation uncovered the harrowing pattern of abuses perpetrated by the accused, who was adopted into the family at 11 months old.”

The abuse went on for over a decade from 2008 to 2021. Hartley is said to have forced and manipulated the children into silence.

VICTIM FORCED TO RAPE SISTER

Mjonondwane said Hartley “forced the one victim to rape his sister.” She further stated that there was a pattern of abuse. “Further evidence revealed a calculated and deliberate pattern of abuse, with the accused taking advantage of his position of trust to exploit and harm his younger relatives.”

NO SIGN OF REMORSE

Sunday World reported on 18 December 2024 that the court said Hartley had shown no sign of remorse. This is despite hearing the impact statements of the victims. Also, the level of trauma the abuse he inflicted on them caused.

Dineo Theoha, the court preparation officer, noted her thoughts from the impact statements. She revealed that the abused has caused the victims to lose their self-worth and confidence. They have also lost their trust in those meant to protect them.

According to Lorraine Nel, the Regional Court Prosecutor, what the rape victims went through is beyond the physical. She said they also have emotional trauma, which is way deeper than any physical scar.