The Taung Regional court handed down a 5 year direct imprisonment sentence to the mother of a 15-year-old who failed to report the rape and assault of the victim by her stepfather. The incident occurred in 2015, and the case was only reported on 27 December 2018 at the Pampierstad police station.
Both the stepfather and mother were arrested on 30 December 2018, by Sergeant Sidwell Dastile of the Hartswater Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
Bail for both suspects were denied and they were remanded in custody until their sentencing.
The case was transferred to Taung Regional Court and on 23 July 2020, the 36-year-old mother was convicted and sentenced to 5 years direct imprisonment.
The case of the stepfather must still go on trial.
The Provincial Head of FCS Unit in the Northern Cape, Brigadier Nicky Mills commended Sergeant Sidwell Dastile for the sterling investigation of the case. He also sent out a stern warning to parents who fail to report crimes involving their children.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
