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	Rasta Priest Convicted of Rape IOL September 27, 2007 http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=nw20070927165952859C902465 South Africa — An apprentice Rastafarian priest, convicted of raping a nine-year-old girl, appeared for a pre-sentencing report in the Grahamstown High Court on Thursday. Voyolethu Joe of Newvale, Queenstown, appeared before Judge Jeremy Pickering and two assessors. Joe was found guilty on July 27, 2007. The girl was the daughter of a Rastafarian priest, who, the trial court heard, was Joe's mentor in the religious cult. The offence occurred on July 17, 2006 in Newvale, near the girl's house. Fort England Psychiatric Hospital clinical psychologist Pumza Sakasa, told the court that the girl had suffered severe psychological and emotional trauma, as a result of the rape. "She presented with symptoms of anxiety and depression consistent with the effects of sexual abuse and subsequent trauma. And underneath there are deep feelings of sadness and hurt." Sakasa said the girl had a low sense of self-esteem and lacked confidence. Long term psychotherapy and counselling was essential, in order to prevent lasting negative psychological and emotional consequences for the child. Queenstown probation officer Khutazile Mtambeka said she had interviewed the accused and members of his immediate family, as well as the girl and her parents. As she read her report into the court record, she was stopped by state advocate Nickie Turner, and questioned about why there had been no mention of the severe physical injuries suffered by the little girl. Pointing out that the judgment had been faxed to her and the injuries had been noted on page seven, Turner was adamant that this should have been contained in the probation officer's report, and their omission was a serious error. Turner also said the state would strongly oppose Mtambeka's recommendation that Joe be sentenced to three years correctional supervision, based on the fact that this was a very serious offence. Sentence is provisionally expected on Friday.
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