FREE STATE FATHER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING DAUGHTER
28 NOVEMBER 2025
FREE STATE FATHER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING DAUGHTER
Ficksburg, Free State - A 45-year-old father from Meqheleng near Ficksburg in the Eastern Free State has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of his 6-year-old daughter by the Ficksburg Regional Court. The court heard that on 4 September 2024, the victim was at home with her mother and father, and the mother left the child with the father when she left for work, leaving the child with her father.
The accused then went to the victim, who was watching television, sitting on the sofa, where he began to rape her. After committing this despicable act, he threatened the victim not to mention any of it to anyone. But after persistent complaints by the victim about her thigh, her mother, who suspected that the victim might be having an infection, called a friend to come over and assist her with her suspicion. It was only then that the victim told her mother about what her father had done to her. The matter was reported to the police, and the accused was arrested and charged with rape of his daughter.
In aggravation of sentence, the State, represented by Regional Court Prosecutor Vusumuzi Nhlapo, argued that the accused should be sentenced to life imprisonment, noting his complete lack of remorse. As a father, he should have been the victim’s protector, not her abuser. The State submitted that a clear message must be sent to all perpetrators that the justice system is resolute in combating the scourge of gender-based violence, particularly when it is directed at children.
In delivering its judgment, the court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The National Prosecuting Authority remains steadfast in leading the fight against gender-based violence, especially violence perpetrated against women and children. The NPA will continue to hold abusers accountable by ensuring that they receive sentences commensurate with the gravity of their crimes. Each successful prosecution represents the culmination of months, and often years, of meticulous investigative and prosecutorial work, and reflects the hundreds of similar cases successfully prosecuted every day.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
073 423 3539