STEPFATHER SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS FOR REPEATED RAPE OF STEPDAUGHTER 

28 January 2026

STEPFATHER SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS FOR REPEATED RAPE OF STEPDAUGHTER 

Mogwase, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the imposition of three life imprisonment terms by the Mogwase Regional Court on Thami Joseph Nomadolo (41) for raping his stepdaughter on three separate occasions. His name will be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders. 

The court heard harrowing details of how Nomadolo abused his position of trust within the family. In October 2014, he lured the then-school-going victim to his parental homestead under pretences, took her to the bedroom, undressed her, and raped her. He warned her not to report the assault, claiming no one would believe her and threatening that she would have no one to care for her if she spoke out. 

The abuse continued in 2015 when the victim was 14 years old. While her mother was at work and they were alone at home, Nomadolo forced himself on her again. The following year, at age 15, during school holidays, he repeated the crime. 

Traumatised and silenced by fear, the victim only disclosed the rapes in 2024. Flashbacks continued to haunt her intimate relationships as an adult. Encouraged by her partner, she confided in her family and laid charges. Nomadolo was arrested on 12 February 2024 and charged with three counts of rape. 

Despite pleading not guilty, the evidence was overwhelming. State Prosecutor Molefe Maakwe highlighted the accused’s repeated opportunities to stop, but his persistent exploitation of a vulnerable child. The State urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. 

In handing down the sentence, Regional Magistrate Lebo Raborife ruled that life terms were appropriate, given the gravity of the offences, the profound breach of trust, the complainant’s extreme vulnerability as a child, the accused’s lack of remorse, and the court’s duty to protect children and uphold constitutional values. The three life terms will run concurrently. 

Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended Prosecutor Molefe Maakwe, the investigating team, and all role-players for their dedication in securing justice. 

“This conviction and sentence send a strong message that gender-based violence and the abuse of children will not be tolerated,” Dr Makhari said. “We urge victims to come forward, knowing that the justice system is committed to protecting them and holding perpetrators accountable.” The NPA remains steadfast in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide. 

Issued by: 

Sivenathi Gunya 

Communications Officer 

North West Division