LIMPOPO – The Malamulele Regional Court has sentenced a 44-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping his 17-year-old biological daughter at Matiyani village.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred in September 2023.

The victim was at home with her parents when her father decided to take her to a graveyard to perform rituals at her grandfather’s grave.

Upon their arrival at the graveyard, the accused performed the rituals and finished in the evening at about 21:00.

Afterward, on the way home and while walking through the bushes, the accused grabbed his daughter and raped her.

Following the ordeal, the victim was threatened and instructed not to tell anyone. The victim ultimately revealed the rape to her uncle’s wife the following year in February 2024.

It was reported to the local police and immediately transferred to the Giyani Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

Sergeant Nomsa Katekani Macevele was assigned to investigate the matter, and through her efforts, the 44-year-old accused was apprehended a day later.

Sergeant Macevele successfully opposed bail until the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Malamulele Regional Court on Tuesday (February 24).