A man has been sentenced to two life terms for the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Kliptown, Soweto, after luring her to a veld with promises of sweets in December 2022.
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A man who lured a vulnerable 11-year-old girl with the promise of sweets before raping and murdering her was sentenced to two life terms by the Lenasia Regional Court.
In December 2022, Jorge Tivane, 21, lured the young girl, who had mental challenges, to a veld in Kliptown, Soweto.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the 11-year-old’s body was later discovered strangled to death.
“DNA evidence recovered from a piece of clothing found on the deceased’s body positively linked Tivane to the crime,” said NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole.
On 3 July 2025, Tivane pleaded guilty to both rape and murder.
In his plea explanation, he admitted luring the 11-year-old girl into the bushes with the promise of sweets, raping her, and then strangling her to death with a piece of clothing.
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Tivane was identified by members of the community and subsequently arrested by police after it emerged that he was the last person seen with the child.
During sentencing, prosecutor Tumi Maunye emphasised the brutal and premeditated nature of the offence, noting that the victim was a vulnerable minor with mental challenges.
He highlighted the profound and unending trauma inflicted on the victim’s family and the accused’s lack of remorse, calling for the maximum prescribed sentences.
The court accepted the State’s submissions and sentenced Tivane to life imprisonment for murder and life imprisonment for the rape of the minor.