"Whilst the accused was in custody‚ a family meeting between the accused and the victim was held with a view to influence the complainant to withdraw the charges.
"The complainant then approached the NPA to withdraw charges against the accused. The NPA declined due to seriousness of the injuries.
"The accused brought three further applications‚ which were also opposed by the State."
During the trial‚ Advocate Phyllis Vorster led evidence of medical reports confirming sexual and physical assault. Both the victim and her mother were called to testify but both refused. However‚ the NPA said‚ their original statements were with the police and were proven correct.
Maseko also refused to testify. He maintained "that the matter was resolved between the families and the prosecutor had no right to continue with the prosecution".
The Director of Public Prosecutions in Pretoria‚ Advocate George Baloyi‚ welcomed the sentence "with the hope that it will send a strong message to those who abuse women and children".