NPA successfully appeals the sentence against Carl Christiaan Lotter
In the matter of the State versus Carl Christiaan Lotter, The National Prosecuting Authority has succeeded in an appeal against the sentence that was imposed on 6 August 2013 to him. The court aqou had sentenced Mr Carl Lotter to four years imprisonment that was wholly suspended for a period of five years.
The charges against Mr Carl Lotter were committed over a period of three years, commencing from 2006 to 2009. He indecently and sexually assaulted children aged nine and 10 years old respectively. He was convicted in the Nelspruit Regional Court on four charges of indecent and sexual assault in contravening the Sexual Offences Act upon his plea of guilty thereto.
However, NPA applied for a leave to appeal the sentence which was granted on 23 September 2013. We held a strong view the sentence did not fit the serious of the offence. The High Court, Gauteng, Pretoria, on Monday February 3rd 2014 set aside the same suspended sentence and imposed a sentence of four years direct imprisonment. The accused unsuccessfully applied for a leave to appeal against this decision.
This outcome reaffirms NPA’s commitment to the war we have declared against those who commit acts of violence against the vulnerable groups. We trust that the sentence will act as encouragement to all victims of similar crimes. We continue to plead for the public’s support and cooperation as we deal with this scourge. Only with their support shall we see an increase in the conviction rate.
Enquiries:
Nathi Mncube, NPA Spokesperson
Cell: 084 814 8364
E-mail: media@npa.gov.za
