STEPFATHER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING MINOR STEPDAUGHTER

29 May 2025
 

STEPFATHER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING MINOR STEPDAUGHTER

Polokwane, Limpopo – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Polokwane Regional Court to a 37-year-old Mozambican national convicted of raping his 17-year-old stepdaughter. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm, ordered his inclusion on the National Register for Sex Offenders, and deemed him unsuitable to work with children. This landmark conviction stems from heinous incidents that occurred between February and September 2023.

The accused, the victim’s stepfather, abused his position of trust in a series of assaults. In February 2023, he entered the victim’s home and raped her in her mother’s bedroom, threatening to kill her, burn the house, and flee to Mozambique if she disclosed the assault. On 16 September 2023, the victim’s mother sent her to the accused’s residence to collect money for formula milk for their shared infant. The accused lured the victim inside, forcibly undressed her, and raped her again. Traumatised, the victim remained at his homestead and did not return home, prompting her family to report her missing. On 29 September 2023, she was found alone at the accused’s residence, where she bravely disclosed the assaults to her mother, leading to a police report and the accused’s arrest.

The accused pleaded not guilty, denying the charges. Regional Court Prosecutor Vhodzulaho Mukosi presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, her mother’s account, and a doctor’s medical report, securing a guilty verdict. In aggravation of sentence, Mukosi argued that the accused’s role as a stepfather and protector made his betrayal particularly egregious. She highlighted his lack of remorse, demonstrated by his not guilty plea, and his disrespect for women, asserting that he was unfit for rehabilitation. Mukosi urged the court to impose life imprisonment, citing no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

Regional Court Magistrate Felleng Ntilane concurred, stating, “The victim endured humiliating trauma at the hands of a ‘father’ who was meant to protect her.” The magistrate emphasised the absence of mitigating factors, reinforcing the judiciary’s firm stance against GBV, and imposed life imprisonment alongside additional protective orders.

Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Ivy Thenga hailed the sentence as a testament to the NPA’s unwavering commitment to justice. “No child should suffer such betrayal and violence. This outcome reflects our resolve to protect society’s most vulnerable and ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law,” she said. Thenga commended Prosecutor Vhodzulaho Mukosi and Investigating Officer Sergeant Mthembi of Westernburg Police Station for their professionalism and tenacity, noting their collaboration as a cornerstone of the criminal justice system’s strength.

The NPA urges communities to report GBV and child abuse promptly, ensuring survivors receive support through Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs). The victim’s courage and her mother’s vigilance in this case highlight the critical role of families and communities in ending such atrocities. The NPA remains dedicated to fostering a safer South Africa through rigorous prosecution and public awareness.

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Limpopo Division
mmalabi@npa.gov.za
074 823 3603