School transport driver receives life for pupil’s rape
After two weeks, the minor had an emotional breakdown, thereafter informing her mother of the ordeal.
Heaps of praise were bestowed upon a super-sleuth Chatsworth SAPS detective after his sterling investigative skills led to the quick arrest and conviction of a 47-year-old school transport driver, who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment after he brutally raped a schoolgirl in a remote banana plantation, in March of last year.
Chatsworth SAPS communications officer, Cpt Cheryl Pillay, explained that on March 8, 2021, Hayden Perumal was hired to transport school children from a primary school in Chatsworth to their homes.
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“One fateful day, Perumal drove his motor vehicle to a remote banana plantation where he had sexual intercourse with the minor. The distraught child went to her home and wrote down this gruesome and violent act in her personal book. After two weeks, the minor had an emotional breakdown, thereafter informing her mother of the ordeal. The mother opened up case of rape at the Chatsworth police station,” said Cpt Pillay.
Officer at the Chatsworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, Det Cnst Mshengu, arrested Perumal and placed him before the Chatsworth Magistrates Court.
“On March 25, 2021, Det Cnst Mshengu ensured that bail was denied as he cited previous cases where Perumal had been arrested, however, the complainants did not follow through. Perumal was remanded to Westville Prison as he posed as a flight risk as well as the possibility of inflicting pain to other young children. With the accused in prison, Det Cnst Mshengu gained the trust of the child before they presented evidence in the Durban Regional Court,” added Cpt Pillay.
Justice was finally served when Perumal was was found guilty of rape and sentenced to life imprisonment, recently.
Chatsworth SAPS station commander, Brig Ruth De Villiers, commended the excellent efforts of Det Cnst Mshengu.
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She said, “The SAPS will continue with after-care for this young victim of rape. My heart feels warm knowing that Det Cnst Mshengu, who is a young constable, was able to take this child into his confidence and give her support throughout the court hearing. He has displayed that a young man in the organisation is capable of excellence. His brotherly love offered to the child also ensured that the sexual predator faced the full might of the law.”
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