Byline: Thendo Funyufunyu
Friday, 19 May 2023
A 52-year-old eMbalenhle man was found guilty and given a life sentence by the Secunda Regional Court for regularly raping his 12-year-old stepdaughter.
The accused and the victim’s guardian shared a home in eMbalenhle and were romantically involved.
Between 2020 and 2021, the accused raped the victim after waiting for the victim’s legal guardian to leave for work.
This continued until 2021.
The victim reported having a stomachache to her teacher, who then gave her permission to go home.
However, the victim refused, saying she was frightened her stepfather would rape her once she got there.
The police were called after the teacher informed the victim’s guardian of the incident.
In court, the accused pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence.
Regional Court Prosecutor Grace Khoza led evidence of a teacher, victim, and guardian.
The evidence was supported by the J88 medical report which confirmed that the victim was penetrated including the evidence of a forensic nurse.
The court found the evidence of the state witnesses reliable and credible.
Prosecutor Khoza handed in the victim impact statement compiled by Court Preparation Officers Nozipho Nkosi and Popo Moloi.
In that statement, the victim authored that the rape ordeal left her traumatised and is now living in fear.
The state addressed the court about the prevalence of gender-based violence cases in the jurisdiction of Secunda. Prosecutor Khoza further addressed the court that the accused was a stepfather to the victim who was supposed to love and protect her instead he destroyed the level of trust and sexually violated her arguing for the court to impose a suitable sentence.
The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the conviction and sentence, this affirms our commitment to curbing the scourge of gender-based violence.
