Ficksburg rapist gets two life terms after trial fitness inquiry
FICKSBURG — A man whose initial guilty plea was changed after he claimed to have been under the influence of drugs has been sentenced to two life terms for raping two children. The Ficksburg Regional Court imposed a life sentence on each count on 9 October.
According to SAnews, citing a police statement, Kamal Ebrahim raped the children on 26 January 2020, when they were seven and eight years old. The sentencing came more than six years after the offences.
Ebrahim initially pleaded guilty to both charges on 16 October 2024. Police said his plea was changed to not guilty after he raised drug use in his explanation, and the matter proceeded through the trial process.
He was later referred for 30 days of psychiatric observation after failing to give proper instructions to his attorney. The assessment found him fit to stand trial, and he was subsequently convicted on both rape counts.
Free State provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia welcomed the sentences and commended investigating officer Sergeant Kobeli of Ficksburg SAPS for the investigation.
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