A Kimberley father, recently exonerated of charges accusing him of raping his nine-year-old biological daughter, is preparing to take legal action against those he believes tried to orchestrate his downfall.
A KIMBERLEY father, who was exonerated after charges of raping his nine-year-old biological daughter were withdrawn against him, intends to take legal action against the individuals he believes tried to orchestrate his downfall.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane confirmed that the accused was recently found not guilty in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court.
In an exclusive interview with the DFA, the father, who is employed as a government official, stated that he would be suing five parties for defamation, as well as for wrongful arrest.
“I will claim damages of over R5 million against those who tried to destroy me. While I knew that I was innocent all along, how many men are rotting away in a jail cell after they were falsely accused?”
He added that he was stigmatised and ostracised during the course of the trial which took five years to conclude.
“My life was turned upside down. I was unable to apply for another job as I would have to disclose the pending charges against me. Children would run away if they saw me walking down the street.”
He pointed out that while being incarcerated for eight days following his arrest, he was kept in the same cell as three accused persons who were sentenced for the kidnapping and murder of Kgatelopele DA councillor Johannes Baatjies.
“I slept with one eye open. Prison is an awful place as it is dirty and smelly. It is commonplace to be at the receiving end of intimidation and threats if faced with incriminating charges like raping a minor, never mind your own child. If I was convicted, I could potentially have faced a 50-year sentence.”
He stated that the close relationship that he once shared with his daughter had been irrevocably harmed.
“I have chosen to keep my distance and will not speak to her. I believe that when she grows up she will realise that she was used in a plot to discredit me.
“She is my flesh and blood and I do not harbour bad feelings towards her because she is still a child. Her mother must explain …
“The investigating officer said he would be charged if he didn’t arrest me. I told him to do what he needed to do and offered to give my DNA samples, although none were ever taken.”
He added that the legal costs had drained him financially and his image had been tarnished.
“At first I defended myself but when the trial was placed back on the court roll in February, I decided to appoint an advocate that came at a cost of R90,000. It has been a painful experience but I am relieved that I can finally close this chapter of my life.”
