10 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MOTHER’S BOYFRIEND WHO RAPED DAUGHTER HE HELPED RAISE

Springbok, Northern Cape – The Springbok Regional Court has sentenced a 50-year-old man to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of his girlfriend’s 17-year-old daughter, whom he had helped raise from a young age. The accused cannot be named to protect the identity and dignity of the victim.

In addition to the custodial sentence, the court declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm, declared him unsuitable to work with children, and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The court heard that the accused was in a cohabiting relationship with the victim’s mother and was the biological father of the victim’s younger sibling. Although he was not the victim’s biological father, he had played a significant role in her upbringing and was regarded as a trusted adult figure. Evidence before the court established that the victim spent considerable time with the accused, including occasions when her mother was not present.

The offence occurred on 28 November 2021 in the vicinity of Okiep and Rooiwinkel. Earlier that day, the accused and the victim had been consuming alcohol while travelling around the area. The accused had also undertaken to transport family members to and from a funeral in Concordia.

After returning the family members from the funeral, the accused, the victim and two of her friends continued driving around while consuming alcohol. The victim later fell asleep in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Her friends subsequently left the vehicle, leaving her alone with the accused.

The court heard that the accused then drove to a secluded location and stopped the vehicle. When the victim awoke, she realised that she and the accused were alone in an unfamiliar area. Concerned for her safety, she requested that he call for assistance. She also used his cellphone to send two “Please Call Me” messages to her uncle seeking help.

Instead of assisting her, the accused took the cellphone from her and indicated that he viewed the situation as an opportunity. He then sexually assaulted the victim despite her resistance. The victim fought back, screamed for help, and attempted to escape from the vehicle. She ultimately managed to strike the accused with a stone and flee from the scene.

The victim returned home distressed and immediately reported the incident to her family. The police were contacted, and the accused was arrested on the same day while still at the location where his vehicle had become stranded.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. His trial commenced on 25 November 2025.

Regional Court Prosecutor Basil Kock led evidence that contradicted the accused’s version that the sexual intercourse had been consensual and that he had been unable to penetrate the victim.

On 29 January 2026, the court found the accused guilty of rape. He remained in custody pending sentencing.

During sentencing proceedings, the defence asked the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, arguing that substantial and compelling circumstances existed. These included submissions that the court should temper justice with mercy, that penetration was allegedly not complete, that alcohol had played a role in the commission of the offence, and that the period spent in custody should be considered.

The State opposed any deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.

In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Kock argued that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a lesser sentence. He submitted that the accused had abused a position of trust and that elements of grooming had emerged from the evidence presented during the trial.

The State further argued that the circumstances surrounding the offence demonstrated planning, including the accused’s possession of condoms and his decision to drive the victim to a secluded location before committing the offence.

In support of the State’s submissions, Prosecutor Kock referred the court to relevant case law, including S v Chapman, which highlights the severe and lasting traumatic impact of rape on victims. The State further submitted that courts should not depart from prescribed minimum sentences on flimsy or insubstantial grounds.

The State also placed before the court the broader context of gender-based violence in South Africa and the urgent need for meaningful consequences for perpetrators of crimes committed against women and children.

The court agreed with the State’s submissions and found that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances warranting a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence.

The accused was consequently sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for rape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence as a significant affirmation of the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable victims and holding perpetrators accountable. The outcome underscores the serious view that courts take of sexual offences, particularly those committed by individuals who abuse positions of trust and authority.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences without fear, favour, or prejudice and to ensuring that victims of gender-based violence receive justice. This conviction and sentence send a clear message that those who prey on vulnerable victims will be held accountable for their actions.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Northern Cape Division

MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za