STERKSPRUIT MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPE

12 November 2025

STERKSPRUIT MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPE

Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape - The Sterkspruit Regional Court has sentenced a 39-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of his then 19-year-old mentally challenged daughter. The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, pleaded guilty to the offence which took place on 18 August 2024 at Joveleni Village in Herschel, Sterkspruit. He tendered his plea of guilty mid-way through the trial, after he buckled under cross-examination by the prosecution and could not maintain his defence that the sexual encounter with his biological offspring was consensual.

In his guilty plea statement, the accused stated that on the day of the incident, he asked the victim to accompany him from Joveleni Village to Mangweni Village to check his colleague’s identity documents. On their return, he asked her to have sex with him and, when she refused, he overpowered her and raped her near the bushes. After the incident, he threatened his daughter, warning her not to tell anyone or he would kill her. A week later, she disclosed the rape to her uncle, who failed to take action. A few days later, when her aunt returned from Johannesburg, the victim reported the incident to her, and the matter was subsequently reported to the police. The father was subsequently arrested in September 2024.

Arguing for an appropriate sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor Anele Magibile, stated that the father took advantage of his daughter’s intellectual disability and betrayed the trust placed in him as a parent and protector. He emphasised that gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive scourge in society, referencing the case of S v Modau, which underscored that domestic violence should not be treated lightly but rather “deplored and severely punished.” The prosecutor further submitted that women and children continue to live in constant fear of abuse, a condition that violates their fundamental human rights to equality, dignity, and bodily integrity. Mvelase was sentenced to life imprisonment. The court declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, commended the prosecution team for securing justice for the victim. “This life sentence sends a strong message that the justice system will not tolerate those who violate and exploit the most vulnerable members of our society. It reinforces our commitment to combating gender-based violence in all its forms,” said Mr Madolo.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains steadfast in its mission to uphold justice and protect the rights and dignity of women and children. It continues to work tirelessly with law enforcement and other partners to ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV) are held accountable and that survivors receive the justice they deserve.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

Regional Spokesperson 

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630 

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za

Enquiries: Nokuthula Makupula

Tel: 068 268 2473