STEPFATHER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE
24 FEBRUARY 2026
STEPFATHER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE
Limpopo, South Africa – The Thabamoopo Regional Court has convicted and sentenced a 38-year-old man from Magatle to life imprisonment for the rape of his 13-year-old stepdaughter. The name of the accused is withheld to protect the victim from secondary victimisation.
The accused pleaded not guilty. The court heard that on 10 January 2024, at Gedroogte village in Magatle, the victim and her mother were doing laundry while the accused was working in the garden. After completing the laundry, the victim’s mother went to a neighbour’s house to charge her phone, leaving the victim and the accused alone. The victim went to bathe in her mother’s bedroom. The accused followed her inside and raped her. After the incident, the victim ran to her mother’s aunt to report what had happened. The aunt accompanied her to the police station to open a case. The accused was traced and arrested on 12 January 2024 and remained in custody until the finalisation of the trial.
In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Bertha Kotsedi submitted that the matter falls within the ambit of Gender-Based Violence, which has been declared a national crisis, and that the court should impose a sentence that would deter would-be offenders. The State further submitted that the accused showed no signs of remorse and had betrayed his duty as a stepfather to protect the child. The crime had a significant psychological and emotional impact on the victim and her family. The State emphasised that the accused violated the victim’s right to safety and security within her own home.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentence. Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Ivy Thenga said that such convictions provide justice and closure to victims and their families, while ensuring that violent offenders are removed from society. She also commended Advocate Kotsedi and the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Selolo, for their diligent work in securing the conviction. The NPA remains committed to prosecuting crimes against women and children and ensuring that perpetrators are held fully accountable.
Issued by:
Mashudu Malabi
Regional Spokesperson
Limpopo Division
074 823 3608