An Eastern Cape teenager, who brutally raped and murdered a two-year-old, was sentenced to an effective 25 years in jail.
Frans Hendricks, 18, was sentenced in the High Court of South Africa sitting in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape.
The National Prosecuting Authority said the toddler was raped and killed on November 19, 2023.
At the time Hendricks was a minor — 17 years and eight months.
The incident took place on Uitkomst Farm, KwaNojoli, previously Somerset East.
Explaining the merits of the case Eastern Cape spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the toddler and her twin sister were visiting their grandparents at Uitkomst Farm, where Hendricks lived and worked on an adjacent farm.
“On the evening of November 19, 2023, Hendricks socialised with friends and consumed alcohol at the grandparents' residence,” Tyali said.
“After leaving the gathering, Hendricks encountered the toddler and took her to nearby bushes, not too far from the grandparents' home. In this secluded area, he raped and murdered the toddler.”
The NPA said Hendricks then returned to his friends, continuing to socialise as if nothing had happened.
“Following the toddler's disappearance, her grandfather initiated a search. He had noticed her absence during the night but assumed she was sleeping at another house on the farm,” the NPA said.
“However, when he couldn't locate her the next morning, a thorough search ensued. Tragically, the grandfather discovered the toddler's lifeless body on November 21, 2023. Hendricks was arrested later that same day.”
In his guilty plea Hendricks told the court that he knew the toddler by sight.
He said despite her visible fear, he grabbed her and took her to nearby bushes and raped her.
“Realising that the toddler could identify him, he hit her with a wooden tree block until she died.”
During sentencing proceedings State Advocate Heinz Obermeyer said Hendricks actions demonstrated a complete disregard for human life and dignity.
The NPA said it would continue to prioritise cases involving child abuse and violence, ensuring that offenders face the full might of the law.
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