A 43-year-old man from Olievenhoutbosch received two life sentences after being found guilty of raping his girlfriend’s 10-year-old daughter. The Pretoria High Court handed down the sentence to Chadd Wentzel, who also received an additional 10-year sentence. The court ordered that the 10-year sentence run concurrently with the second life sentence. Wentzel was ordered to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders as part of his conviction.
The Heinous Crimes Unfold
The incidents began in May 2020 when the child's mother traveled to Venda to visit family. During this period, the child was left at her uncle's home in Olievenhoutbosch. Chadd Wentzel, who was the mother's boyfriend, then collected the child and brought her to the Olievenhoutbosch home he shared with her mother.
On the first occasion, Wentzel took the child from her bedroom to his own bedroom, where he undressed her and proceeded to rape her. During the assault, he threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident to anyone. The following day, Wentzel showed the child a toy gun before dragging her into his bedroom and raping her again. This second assault occurred despite the child having sustained injuries to her private parts during the previous attack.
Discovery and Legal Proceedings
The abuse came to light on December 19, 2020, when the child was visiting her aunt in Diepsloot. While at her aunt's home, the child began crying after seeing Chadd Wentzel at the gate, prompting her to disclose the abuse to her aunt. The matter was reported to the police on the same day, December 19, 2020.
Law enforcement arrested Wentzel at his residence on January 22, 2021. Following his arrest, Wentzel remained in custody after the National Prosecuting Authority successfully opposed his bail application. During the subsequent trial, Wentzel pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied any involvement in the abuse. He also argued in court that he was a first-time offender and noted that he had four minor children who depended on him.
Justice and Deterrence
The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court additionally sentenced Chadd Wentzel to 10 years imprisonment for two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. As part of the sentencing, the court declared Wentzel unfit to possess a firearm.
During the legal proceedings, National Prosecuting Authority prosecutor Advocate Corrine Sam presented key evidence to the court, which included the testimony of the child victim. The State also presented a Victim Impact Statement, which was facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Chadd Wentzel. The court considered all presented evidence and arguments.
Ultimately, the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances that would justify a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence for the crimes committed. This decision led to the imposition of two life terms for the rape charges, alongside the additional 10-year sentence for assault, which was ordered to run concurrently with the second life sentence. The verdict also mandates Wentzel's entry into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
