Lifetime imprisonment for father who raped daughter, highlighting GBV issues

A father who raped his daughter on at least two occasions, one of which was on her sixth birthday, will serve a lifetime behind bars. 

The man, who tried to evade justice and accountability when he attempted to cover his reprehensible acts, was sentenced by the Ladybrand Regional Court and his name has been permanently entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

This week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence handed down to the 48-year-old man, who pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial.

NPA spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the sentence reflected the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and protecting vulnerable children from heinous acts of betrayal.

“In 2020, the accused, entrusted with the care of his daughter, raped her on two separate occasions, with the first assault occurring on her sixth birthday, a day meant for celebration. The court heard harrowing details of the premeditated crime, during which the accused cleaned blood from the victim’s private parts with an orange gauze bag to conceal his actions. 

“In a further attempt to evade accountability, he opened a false criminal case against the victim’s now-deceased stepfather, deflecting suspicion from himself. The abuse came to light through the victim’s disclosure, supported by medical evidence confirming the assault, leading to the accused’s arrest,” said Senokoatsane.

The regional court prosecutor, Marie Yzel, presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, medical reports, and a victim impact statement compiled with the assistance of a court preparation officer.

“The statement detailed the profound psychological trauma and lasting fear inflicted on the victim, now scarred by her father’s betrayal. Yzel exposed the accused’s calculated efforts to cover up the crime, including the false case against the stepfather, and highlighted his complete lack of remorse, which further aggravated the offence,” said Senokoatsane.

In aggravation of sentence, Yzel argued that the accused’s actions were malicious and premeditated, exploiting his role as a father to violate the victim’s trust and dignity. 

Further to this, she emphasised the devastating impact of GBV within families, urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act.

The presiding magistrate delivered a scathing rebuke, and said: “A father’s sacred duty is to protect, yet this accused turned predator, inflicting unspeakable harm on his child.” 

The NPA commended the extraordinary courage of the young victim, whose disclosure, supported by meticulous police work, secured this conviction.

The Free State Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Navilla Somaru, praised Yzel and investigating officer Tshepo Olebile for their relentless dedication. 

“This sentence sends a resolute message: the NPA will pursue predators who target children with the full might of the law, ensuring justice restores dignity.”

The NPA’s collaboration with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided critical psychosocial support to the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach.

The NPA urged families and communities to remain vigilant, report abuse promptly, and support survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. 

“This case underscores the devastating impact of familial GBV and the critical role of survivors’ voices in achieving justice. The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against the scourge of GBV, fostering safe environments where children are protected, and their constitutional rights to dignity and privacy are upheld,” said Senokoatsane. 

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus