Stepfather gets life for repeated rape and abuse of 11-year-old stepdaughter
A Kanoeneiland man was sentenced to life behind bars for repeatedly raping and abusing his young stepdaughter.
Image: Morgan Morgan / DALL-E / DFA
THE UPINGTON Regional Court this week sentenced a 42-year-old man to life imprisonment for the repeated rape and brutal assault of his 11-year-old stepdaughter.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the case, which shocked the community of Kanoeneiland, began unfolding on January 18, 2021 when the young victim returned home from school. What should have been a safe space turned into a nightmare, as her stepfather began a horrific pattern of abuse that continued for over two years. The victim endured repeated sexual assaults, threats to her life, and physical violence - all while her mother was at work or late in the evening.
The situation escalated when the perpetrator became obsessively controlling, isolating the young girl and accusing her of infidelity.
The abuse came to light in June 2023 when the victim’s mother walked in on the assault. Shockingly, instead of supporting her daughter, the mother reportedly turned against her, even removing her from school.
It wasn’t until a visit to her grandmother in the Vaal a month later that the victim found the courage to speak out. Her grandmother immediately reported the matter to the Sharpville SAPS, and the case was transferred to the Kanoneiland police.
The stepfather was arrested and charged with rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Sergeant Lucky Malepe from the Upington Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, and the collaborative work with State prosecutor Mzukisi Twane, the accused was brought to justice. He was convicted of rape and two counts of assault GBH.
In addition to the life sentence for rape, the court imposed two 10-year sentences for the assaults. The perpetrator was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, barred from working with children, and his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The SAPS management in the ZF Mgcawu District praised the outcome, calling it a testament to what can be achieved when the SAPS and the NPA work hand in hand.
“Together we can fight the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide and restore the confidence of the public in the justice system,” noted Sergeant Masegela.