Staff ReporterA 60-year-old teacher from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has been given a double life sentence for raping two young boys and attempting to silence them with money.
Patrick Bheki Nkosi was convicted in the Vryheid Regional Court for crimes committed in July 2019.
According to Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Service (SAPS), Nkosi lured the boys, aged 4 and 5, to his house where he raped them. He then gave them R2 (approximately £0.08) and told them to keep quiet.
The crime came to light when one of the boys complained of pain, leading to a police investigation and Nkosi’s arrest.
Nkosi, who taught at the school the victims attended, remained in custody until his sentencing.
This case follows another recent conviction where a man received four life sentences for raping his stepdaughter in the Camperdown Regional Court.
Childline KwaZulu-Natal, a child protection organisation, welcomed the court’s decision. Adeshini Naicker, the organisation’s director, said: “It sets a precedent and serves as a powerful deterrent for potential offenders.”
Naicker added that while the victims will require long-term support, the verdict “sends a strong message to victims, encouraging them to come forward.”
These cases highlight ongoing efforts in South Africa to combat child abuse and sexual violence through strict legal measures.
