RAPIST FATHER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT
19 August 2025
RAPIST FATHER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT
Nelspruit, Mpumalanga -The Nelspruit Regional Court has convicted and sentenced a 44-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping his 9-year-old biological daughter on diverse occasions in Pienaar, Daartjie in 2020. The man’s name is withheld to protect the identity of the victim.
During the time of the offence, the accused and the complainant’s mother were residing in different places. The victim’s mother was away to practice as a traditional healer, and the victim was left under the care of the accused. In February 2020, on several occasions, the accused would take the minor victim to his room and have sexual intercourse with her. The victim did not report the rape; however, the incident became known after the victim’s mother noticed strange behaviour in her daughter, prompting the victim’s confession. The victim further described her father as the accused, and the matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest.
In court, the accused pleaded not guilty and offered a bare denial; he claimed that the victim’s mother had falsely charged him. State Prosecutor Lazarus Rabothata presented convincing evidence from the victim’s mother, including the victim’s overwhelming testimony facilitated through intermediary services. A 88 medical report confirming injuries was presented. The state found the state witnesses credible and dismissed the accused’s defence as implausible.
During sentencing, the defence presented the personal circumstances of the accused, requesting the court to deviate from the prescribed sentence by taking into consideration the time the accused had spent in custody. State Prosecutor Lazarus Rabothata objected and requested the court to impose a prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. A Victim Impact Statement from the victim’s mother, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Ms Zodwa Lekhuleni, detailing the profound physical and psychological trauma she suffered, was handed in.
The National Prosecuting Authority commends the vigilance of the victim’s mother, whose swift action led to the arrest of the accused. This case highlights the critical role of parents in recognising signs of abuse and acting decisively. We hope that this sentence will send a clear message that the NPA prioritises gender-based violence cases, especially those targeting vulnerable children and will pursue justice relentlessly. Ends.
Issued by:
Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson
DPP Mpumalanga
013-0450625/0764855446