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A 40-YEAR-OLD Northern Cape man was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pofadder Regional Court for raping his 11-year-old stepdaughter in Onseepkans.
The abuse occurred over a period of time, dating back to 2019 when the ordeal was first reported.
Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said investigations revealed that the accused would assault his stepdaughter when her mother was away or asleep. The perpetrator was caught in the act by the victim's brother, leading to the matter being reported to the police.
The court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment for rape, declared him unfit to possess a firearm, and ordered that his name be recorded in the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, commended advocate Basil Kock and Detective Sergeant Rowen Nortje for their thorough investigation, ensuring the perpetrator's life-long incarceration.
She also emphasised the importance of partnerships in combating gender-based violence and protecting children.