LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST FATHER

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment handed down by the Estcourt Regional Court to a 40-year-old man after he was convicted of raping his minor daughter. The offences took place in Weenen in 2022.

The accused was the biological father of the complainant, and he lived together with the complainant and his other children. The complainant’s mother, who was sick, lived with other relatives.

The complainant cooked and cleaned for the accused in her mother's absence. In 2022, the accused raped the complainant twice (in March and November). He owned a firearm, which he kept visible during the commission of the rape. Following the incident, he would threaten to kill the complainant if she reported the matter.

The complainant eventually confided in her grandmother about what the accused was doing. The grandmother then informed the complainant’s mother, who reported the matter to the police, leading to the accused’s arrest. The complainant was taken to a nearby hospital for medical assistance.

In court, Prosecutor Zamaswazi Ndlovu led the evidence of the complainant as a single witness, as both her mother and grandmother had died before the matter went to trial. Ms Ndlovu did, however, submit their witness statements to the court as part of the state’s case. Medical evidence was also presented.

In aggravation of the sentence, the state led the testimony of the complainant, who told the court that the accused had ruined her life. She said that she could not believe that the person who was supposed to protect her had violated her instead.

In addition to the life sentence, the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm, and the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The NPA remains steadfast in our pursuit of justice on behalf of the victims of crime. Children are amongst the most vulnerable members of our society, and they should be protected.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson –

KwaZulu-Natal Division