Father Sentenced to Two Life Terms for Rape and Murder of 8-Day-Old Daughter
04 April 2025
Father Sentenced to Two Life Terms for Rape and Murder of 8-Day-Old Daughter
Pretoria, Gauteng – The Pretoria High Court has sentenced Hugo Ferreira, a 37-year-old man from Carletonville to two life terms for the rape and murder of his 8-days old daughter, Caithlyn Ferreira. Ferreira and the child’s mother, who were in a relationship, lived together in Welverdiend, Carletonville. On 08 June 2023, the mother left home to sell clothes to buy nappies, entrusting the infant to Ferreira’s care. Before she departed, Ferreira instructed her to return within five minutes as the baby was breastfeeding. When she failed to return on time and the baby began crying, Ferreira, enraged, assaulted, and raped the newborn. He used his fingers to violate her and rubbed his private parts against hers, later claiming he was “giving the baby a reason to cry.”
Upon the mother’s return, Ferreira initially hid the injured child and refused to hand her over. Alarmed, she called the police. As he relinquished the baby in their presence, her injuries became evident. Ferreira was arrested immediately, and the infant was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries the following day. Ferreira pleaded guilty to the charges of rape and murder, admitting he acted out of anger toward the mother. During sentencing, he requested leniency, arguing that his guilty plea saved court time and demonstrated remorse. Prosecutor Advocate Andre Wilsenach strongly opposed this, advocating for life imprisonment. He described the acts as heinous, committed against a defenceless 8-day-old to spite the mother for her delay. Wilsenach emphasized Ferreira’s role as the biological father, who should have protected his child, not abused his position to harm her. He also highlighted Ferreira’s criminal history, including five prior convictions, one for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, underscoring his violent tendencies and justifying the prescribed minimum sentence.
Judge Portia Phahlane rejected Ferreira’s plea for leniency, agreeing with the State. She ruled that his guilty plea stemmed from overwhelming evidence, not genuine remorse, and found no compelling reasons to deviate from the minimum sentence. Ferreira was sentenced to two life terms for the rape and murder of his daughter.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes this sentence, which reflects the gravity of Ferreira’s crimes against his child. This case reaffirms our unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide, ensuring that perpetrators face the full weight of justice.
Issued by:
Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division: Pretoria
073 002 0000