Nkosana, 27, was sentenced by the Gqeberha High Court on Monday, August 17, 2026.
According to his plea explanation, Nkosana admitted that he encountered Veronique, who was known to him, while she was playing with other children. He allegedly offered her money to accompany him to a relative's room.
However, on arrival, he discovered that the room was locked and admitted that he decided to force his way inside.
The court heard that Nkosana subsequently sexually assaulted the child. He acknowledged that his actions were unlawful.
In relation to the murder charge, Nkosana admitted that after the assault, he became overwhelmed by fear and decided to strangle the eight-year-old until she became unresponsive.
He further acknowledged that he knew his actions could result in her death but proceeded regardless.
Investigators recovered DNA evidence linking Nkosana to the crime, while his fingerprints were also allegedly found at the scene.
The court was told that forensic evidence played a significant role in the case and that the State had overwhelming evidence that could have secured a conviction even if the accused had not entered a guilty plea.
Under a plea agreement reached in terms of Section 105A of South Africa's Criminal Procedure Act, Nkosana received three years' imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to commit rape and murder, life imprisonment for rape, and another life sentence for murder.
The sentences followed an agreement between the State and Nkosana's legal representative, Mxolisi Moolman.
The plea agreement noted that Nkosana accepted that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances that would justify a lesser sentence.
Investigating officer Warrant Officer Mbulelo Grootboom of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit welcomed the conviction, describing it as the result of painstaking investigative and forensic work.
Grootboom said the DNA evidence obtained from Nkosana's clothing and other forensic findings helped strengthen the case against him.
He also praised the forensic team for its role in securing the conviction, noting that the investigation demonstrated the importance of properly handling evidence in cases involving sexual offences.
Veronique's mother, Destiny, said although she was relieved that justice had been served, no sentence could erase the pain of losing her daughter.
She said the conviction had brought some measure of justice but could never make her forget the devastating loss.
Nkosana's name will also be included in South Africa's National Register for Sex Offenders following his conviction.
The case has drawn attention to the crucial role of forensic evidence in the investigation and prosecution of serious crimes involving violence against children.
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