Ashraf Hartley was sentenced to life terms in jail, and the court ordered that the sentences will not run concurrently.
Image: File
The Johannesburg Regional Court has sentenced 34-year-old Ashraf Hartley to five life terms in prison for the “gruesome” rapes of his minor relatives aged between six and 12 years in Bosmont, Johannesburg.
Gauteng spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Phindi Mjonondwane said the court ordered that the sentences will not to run concurrently.
One of the victims exposed Hartley through a letter to her mother after receiving sex education at school. That prompted an investigation led by Sergeant Masedi.
“The accused (Hartley) was subsequently arrested and charged with four counts of rape and one count of compelled rape. The investigation uncovered the harrowing pattern of abuses perpetrated by the accused, who was adopted into the family at 11 months old,” said Mjonondwane.
As an adult, Hartley started to prey on minor relatives over a period between 2008 and 2021.
Hartley manipulated his victims and forced them into silence.
“At one instance, he forced one victim to rape his sister. Further evidence revealed a calculated and deliberate pattern of abuse, with the accused taking advantage of his position of trust to exploit and harm his younger relatives,” said Mjonondwane.
During court proceedings, the victims were consulted.
Subsequently, Mjonondwane said court preparation officer Dineo Theoha provided guidance on the court process and facilitated a victim impact statement, which revealed that the victims lost trust in those meant to protect them.
The abused victims now face the difficult journey of rebuilding their self-worth and confidence.
Regional court prosecutor, Lorraine Nel further submitted to the court that the impact of the heinous acts extends far beyond physical injuries.
“The emotional trauma is deeper, more enduring and goes beyond the words in the victim impact statements,” Nel submitted.
The court remarked that the accused essentially gave each of the victims a life sentence to carry with them for the rest of their lives.
The court also highlighted that Hartley had shown no sign of remorse.
Commenting on the stiff sentence, the NPA in Gauteng said it remains committed to combating the scourge of gender-based violence and advocating for harsher sentences for those who commit such crimes.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL
Related Topics: