Man sentenced to life for raping 9-year-old stepdaughter
"The pastor of the church prophesied that the child had been sexually assaulted by a 33-year-old male when she was 9 years old."
The Pretoria magistrate’s court has sentenced a Hercules man (Mr. X) to one life term for the rape of his nine-year-old stepdaughter.
Magistrate Johanna Mthimunye had convicted the 36-year-old of rape on April 13.
NPA Regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said on Sunday January, 5 2019, the minor and her mother had gone to church.
Mahanjana said during the service a pastor had prophesied that the child had been sexually assaulted by a 33-year-old male when she was nine years old.
She said afterwards, as the pair returned home, the child confessed to the mother that indeed her stepfather had been sexually assaulting her over a period of a year while the mother worked at night and she was left in his care.
“The mother confronted Mr. X about the allegations made by the child but he denied it,” said Mahanjana.
“The following morning both the mother and Mr. X took the child to a doctor at Laudium Hospital were the child was examined and it was discovered that indeed the child had been sexually assaulted. After the child spoke to the social workers, police were called and Mr. X was arrested at the hospital.”
She said the NPA successfully opposed bail hence the man had been in custody since.
Mahanjana said in court Mr. X pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.
“Prosecutor Tumi Phongola, told the court that rape is a scourge that is unfortunately prevalent in our society, is degrading and humiliating, especially for vulnerable children.
“She further asked the court to take into consideration the seriousness of the offence and the interest of society when imposing a sentence, because Mr. X took advantage of a nine-year-old girl and threatened her life if she reported the rape.”
Mahanjana said in delivering her sentence Mthimunye agreed with the state that Mr X took advantage of a child who regarded him as a father and that he deserves no other sentence but that of life imprisonment.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi thanks the pastor and community leaders for their contribution to ensuring justice for the child.
“This is a very good example that reflects the role of all members of society to protect children from harm. He also congratulated the police for their investigation and the outstanding work of the prosecutor in fighting for justice for the child and her family,” she said.
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