Father sentenced to life for raping daughter

A 30-year-old father has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court for raping his nine-year-old daughter.

It is alleged that during February 2012, at Georgedale, Hammersdale, the father repeatedly raped his daughter. The class teacher noticed the pupil’s poor performance and behaviour in class, which then made her refer the child to the social workers. The victim alleged that she was raped by her father while there was no one at home.

A case of rape was opened at Mpumalanga Police Station and the docket was transferred to the Pinetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation. After an intensive investigation the accused was immediately arrested and charged with rape.

He made several court appearances until his sentencing on 2 February.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, commended the Pinetown FCS for their swift investigation, which led to a successful conviction of the accused.

“This will send a clear message to other criminals that the SAPS will not tolerate offences directed at women and children.”