KEY POINTS
- A 40-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping his 11-year-old stepdaughter, with the crime being exposed by the victim’s brother in 2019.
- The court also declared the man unfit to own a firearm and ordered his name to be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.
- Northern Cape police praised the collaborative efforts of investigators and advocates, while urging communities to report crimes to help combat gender-based violence and protect children.
A 40-year-old man from Onseepkans in the Northern Cape has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pofadder Regional Court for the repeated rape of his 11-year-old stepdaughter.
The rape, which occurred over an extended period, was exposed in 2019 when the victim’s brother caught the stepfather in the act and immediately reported the crime to the police.
“The meticulous investigations revealed that the accused would accost his stepdaughter when her mother was out at work,” said police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam.
The court not only handed down a life sentence for rape but also declared the man unfit to own a firearm and ordered that his name be recorded in the National Register for Sex Offenders. This ensures that he will never be able to work with or around vulnerable groups, particularly children.
Collaborative Efforts Praised in Securing Justice for Victim
The Northern Cape police commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the efforts of advocate Basil Kock and Detective Sergeant Rowen Nortje, whose thorough and meticulous investigation ensured the perpetrator’s lifelong incarceration. “This case highlights the importance of teamwork and dedication in bringing perpetrators of gender-based violence to justice,” said Otola. She further emphasised the critical role of partnerships in combating gender-based violence and protecting children, urging communities to work together to create safer environments for vulnerable individuals.
The case has reignited conversations about the prevalence of gender-based violence in South Africa, particularly in rural areas where access to resources and support systems can be limited. According to recent statistics, South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world, with children often being the most vulnerable victims.
The police have reiterated their call for the public to assist in fighting crime by reporting criminal activities. “We cannot win the fight against gender-based violence alone. Communities must play their part by speaking out and reporting abuse,” added Sergeant Sam.
