A 39-year-old man, whose identity has been withheld to protect the victim, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 26 June 2025, for the repeated rape of his 14-year-old daughter.
The court heard that the horrific abuse began on 18 October 2024, when the accused was left alone to care for the teenager while her grandmother was at work. The victim had entered her father’s room to fetch body lotion when she turned around and found him undressed, preparing to assault her. He proceeded to rape her, only stopping when the grandmother knocked on the door. When asked about the child’s whereabouts, the accused falsely claimed she was playing a game on her cellphone.
Tragically, this was not an isolated incident. The accused repeatedly raped his daughter every Friday while the grandmother was away. The abuse came to light after the victim confided in her teacher, who then informed the child’s aunt. The aunt subsequently reported the matter to the police on 19 October 2024.
The case was assigned to Sergeant Comfort Seanego of the Lebowakgomo Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit, whose meticulous investigation ensured a strong prosecution.
In delivering the sentence, the court emphasized the gravity of the crime, condemning the betrayal of trust by a parent meant to protect his child. The accused was handed a life sentence for rape, bringing a measure of justice for the traumatized victim.
