PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAMME BRINGS JUSTICE FOR RAPE VICTIM

30 January 2026

PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAMME BRINGS JUSTICE FOR RAPE VICTIM

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life term imposed by the Gqeberha Regional Court on a 50-year-old man following his conviction on two counts of raping his biological daughter. The crimes were committed over a period between 2021 and 2022 at their family home. The victim was aged between nine and ten then. The matter came to light after the child disclosed the abuse during a public awareness programme hosted by the NPA, which focused on abuse and substance-related crimes. The disclosure was later confirmed at school, prompting further investigation. The father was arrested at his residence on 26 October 2023.

During the trial, the State presented the evidence of all witnesses, including medical evidence led by the examining doctor. The Gqeberha Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) played a critical role in supporting the victim, while Court Preparation Officers assisted with preparing the child for court and provided emotional support throughout the proceedings. The accused denied all allegations.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, said the outcome reflects the seriousness with which the courts view crimes of sexual violence, particularly those committed against children by their own parents. He commended the prosecutor, Adv Wilma Ferreira, the investigating officer, and the TCC staff for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring that justice was served. The DPP further expressed concern at the increasing number of cases in which fathers are the perpetrators of sexual offences against their own children, describing such conduct as a gross betrayal of trust.

The NPA reiterates its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society and to ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are held fully accountable, while continuing to encourage communities to report incidents of abuse and to support public awareness initiatives that empower victims to come forward.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 0475012630

Cell: 0735559292

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za