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Judge George Maluleke on Tuesday rejected argument from Mathys Van Zyl's lawyer that it was less serious for an adult to rape a child with his fingers and not his penis, and that he should get a lower sentence.
Maluleke said it was unlikely that Van Zyl (46) could be rehabilitated. He had shown no remorse and had a previous conviction for sexual assault.
His name would be placed on the sex offenders' register.
The toddler was raped in a bathroom in September 2013 at a day mother's flat while her divorced mother worked late. On the day of the rape Van Zyl minded the toddler and her twin sisters while the day mother and her husband fetched takeaways. The two girls looked into the bathroom and saw the rape.
The toddler's father urged parents to do thorough research on their childrens' minders. The toddler's mother did not know Van Zyl lived there.
