The biological father of two teenage girls was recently sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment for rape in the Ezakheni Regional Court, sending a strong message to would-be rapists out there.
The man lived with his daughters in the same house. During the latter part of 2016, he would lure his eldest daughter (18) into his bedroom using his phone to either SMS or call her.
Once in his room, he would rape her and threaten violence if she exposed him.
Also read: Update: Suspects appear in court for abduction and gang-rape of teenage girl in Ladysmith
This carried on for about five months until the 18-year-old changed the SIM card in her cell-phone, leaving him unable to contact her.
The accused then focused his attentions on his youngest daughter, who was 15 at the time. He would awaken her and take her into his room without the elder sister knowing, and then he would rape her.
A vigilant educator noticed a change in the child’s performance at school and brought the matter to light.
This resulted in the victims being brought to the Ladysmith Family Violence, Child Protection & Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, where the investigating officer, Constable Ntshingila, interviewed the two teenage girls.
The accused was immediately arrested and the victims were moved from the area during the course of the investigation.
The two victims were good witnesses. Coupled with excellent investigation, this resulted in the conviction and sentencing of the father.
The two daughters received counselling from Ekuvukeni Social Development workers, as well as Captain Ndulini from the Ladysmith Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
The investigating officer welcomes the conviction and sentencing, and hopes it will serve as a deterrent to heinous crimes of this nature being committed.
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!
