LIFE SENTENCE FOR RAPING FOSTER SISTER

26 May 2025

LIFE SENTENCE FOR RAPING FOSTER SISTER

The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, East London, sentenced a 42-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping his 13-year-old foster sister, resulting in her falling pregnant. The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, committed the crimes in Ncerha Village near Kidds Beach in November 2023 and January 2024.

The teenage victim was abandoned by her mother when she was still three years old, along with her twin siblings, who were a year younger than she. The mother of the accused was appointed as a foster mother of the complainant and her siblings. She does not know who her biological mother and regarded the man who raped her as older brother as she grew up in front of him in the same household.

In June 2024 young girl complained of stomach pains and her foster mother took her to the nearest clinic. She was shocked when the nurse told her that the girl was five months pregnant. As she is a chubby person, the foster mother did not notice and change in her body. She was asked who the father is, and she said it's "Ubhuti", referring to the son of her foster mother. On both rape incidents the man gave the young girl R10 and told her not to report it to anyone. As the result of the rape, she now has a six-month-old baby boy.

The accused pleaded guilty as the evidence of the state, together with the paternity results proving that he is the father of the child, was an insurmountable mountain. The child had been seen at Mdantsane Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), and the pregnancy and the months were confirmed by a medical doctor. The court sentenced the man to life imprisonment, as the Judge agreed with the State Advocate Luvuyo Vena’s submission that even though he pleaded guilty there were no compelling and substantial circumstances justifying any lighter sentence, as the offence has left a permanent psychological scar on the complainant that will haunt her for the rest of her life as the child will always be a reminder of the rape incidents.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo commended the prosecution, the TCC staff and the investigating officer. The fight against the scourge of sexual violence has been aided by the expansion of the TCC footprint across the country, as they provide comprehensive services and support to victims of sexual violence.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Eastern Cape Division
Tel: 047 501 2630
Cell: 073 555 9292
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za