NORTHERN CAPE MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS OF DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING HIS SISTER

NORTHERN CAPE MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS OF DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING HIS SISTER

The Garies Regional Court has sentenced a 33-year-old man to 20 years of direct imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to repeatedly raping his biological sister over four years. The victim was 19 years old when the abuse began and 24 by the time the matter was finalised. The siblings resided with their mother and uncle in Kharkams, near Kamieskroon, in the Namakwa region.

The first incident occurred in October 2020, when the accused, under the influence of the drug Tik, was left alone with his sister after their mother and uncle, both intoxicated at the time, had left the house. The accused demanded that the victim sleep with him. When she refused, he assaulted her, forcibly removed her clothes, pinned her down on a bed, and raped her.

Following this initial assault, the accused continued to rape and physically assault the victim multiple occasions. He also used threats of violence against their mother and uncle to manipulate and coerce the victim into submission. The abuse took place within the family home, a space where the victim should have felt safe and protected.

As a result of the rapes, the victim fell pregnant and gave birth to a child on 8 July 2021. On 2 June 2024, the accused returned home late at night and again demanded sex from the complainant. When she refused, he overpowered and raped her. A few days later, on 5 June 2024, the accused attempted to force himself on her again in front of their mother and uncle. When the complainant refused, the accused attacked both family members and threatened to kill their mother if she continued to resist. The victim fled the home and contacted her aunt, a community worker, who assisted in reporting the matter to the police.

The accused was arrested on 22 June 2024 and remained in custody throughout the trial.

During court proceedings, he admitted to raping the victim multiple times, with the last known incident occurring on 2 June 2024. After thorough consultations with the victim and other witnesses, and considering all relevant factors, the State, led by Regional Court Prosecutor Basil Kock, entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the defence. The court found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and accordingly sentenced the accused to 20 years of direct imprisonment.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence by ensuring perpetrators are held accountable and removed from society. The NPA extends its sincere appreciation to the South African Police Service, particularly Constable Nqabisa Sishuba, whose diligent investigation was instrumental in securing this conviction.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane
Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division, NPA
MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
073 423 3539