RAPIST STEPFATHER RECEIVES FOUR LIFE TERMS PLUS SIX YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT

22 October 2025

RAPIST STEPFATHER RECEIVES FOUR LIFE TERMS PLUS SIX YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT

Potchefstroom, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the four life terms plus six years’ imprisonment sentence handed down by the Potchefstroom Regional Court to Tapelo Micheal (48). He was convicted on four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault committed in September 2022. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, with his name added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The conviction arose from incidents beginning on 11 September 2022 in the Tshing location near Ventersdorp. While the 12-year-old victim was ironing, Michael, her stepfather and partner of her visually impaired mother, sexually assaulted her by touching her breast. Over the next four consecutive days, he raped her at home while her mother was absent. After the fourth day, the victim reported the abuse to her mother, who notified the police, leading to his arrest on 19 September 2022. He was denied bail and remained in custody.

In court, Michael pleaded not guilty, but his testimony was inconsistent and riddled with improbabilities. State Prosecutor Annecke Du Toit argued for life imprisonment, asserting no substantial or compelling circumstances justified a lesser sentence, and highlighted his lack of remorse. The court agreed, imposing four life terms for the rapes and six years for sexual assault, to run concurrently. The victim received immediate support and was referred to Potchefstroom Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical, emotional, and legal assistance.

Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the verdict, commending Du Toit for securing the conviction. The NPA remains committed to protecting gender-based violence victims, ensuring justice, and holding perpetrators accountable under the full force of the law.

Issued by:

Sivenathi Gunya

Communications Officer

North West Division

National Prosecuting Authority

Email: sgunya@npa.gov.za

Tel: 078 172 9367