A bus driver (52) from eMbalenhle in Secunda who has been raping his 12-year-old adopted daughter, has been sent to jail after his deeds came to light when the girl fell ill at school and refused to go home where she would be alone with him.

The man, whose identity cannot be disclosed to protect that of the victim, was found guilty of sexual grooming as well as rape and sentenced to life behind bars in the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on May 12.

According to evidence in court, the victim first reported the abuse to her adoptive mother, but she kept quiet about it.

The abuse came to light when the girl fell ill at school and her teacher was alerted. The girl informed her teacher that she had unbearable stomach aches. She said that only her father was home because he was working night shift and refused to give his number.

The girl insisted to stay at school and wait for her younger sister to finish. The matter was reported to the principal who after prompting the girl, found out that she did not want to be home alone with her father.

The girl told the principal that ‘he was always sleeping with her’ when they were home alone.

The educators reported the matter at the eMbalenhle Police Station and the rapist was arrested at his place of work. He remained in police custody until he was sentenced.

Sergeant Palesa Monagane from the Secunda Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) investigated the case.

Monagane warned families not to hide criminal activities that are happening within their midst, especially crimes against women and children.

She said family members should know that if they do so, they will be charged with defeating the ends of justice and might also face jail time or a criminal record.