THOHOYANDOU – The High Court in Thohoyandou has sentenced a schoolteacher to life imprisonment for raping a 7-year-old girl.

Samuel Mususumeli Maemu (53), also known as Daide, a teacher at Maguluvhe High School, was convicted for rape and sentenced to life imprisonment in the High Court last week. According to the evidence brought before the court, in September 2001 a 7-year-old girl went to Maemu's homestead in order to play.

On arrival Maemu picked up the young girl and carried her to a room inside the house and had sexual intercourse with her. He later gave her money and oranges. The young girl revealed this to her elder sister, who informed their aunt. Some few days later Maemu was arrested.

Before he was sentenced last week, Maemu told Judge GNK Hetisani that as a Christian he wished all those who caused his arrest, ensured that he was tried and convicted bad luck. When told by Adv Ratshilumela Makhera who appeared for the state, that the Bible teaches us to forgive those who wronged us and bless those who persecute us, Maemu said that he is but only a human being.

When Judge Hetisani asked him as to whether he pleaded guilty in all his previous convictions, Maemu said yes because he knew then what he had done.

Before he was sentenced to life imprisonment, Hetisani said society could not accept this type of behaviour where adult people subject very young children to sexual abuse.

The judge further said the legislature was responding to the call by the public that rape is a very serious offence as the act recommends a minimum sentence.

Advocate RJ Makhera appeared for the state and Adv Sydwell Sikhwari appeared for the accused.