A 42-year-old stepfather will spend the rest of his life behind bars following two separate rape incidents involving his stepdaughter in 2020.
The 10-year-old victim was at home with her stepfather on May 30, 2020, when the first assault occurred while her mother was away.
Pretoria Central Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit investigating officer Constable Wallace George Moodley handled the investigation after the matter was reported months later.
SAPS Tshwane District Communicator Captain Johan van Dyk said the man called the victim to his bed during the night, but she refused. He subsequently went to where she was sleeping and raped her before threatening to kill her if she disclosed what had happened.
“The following morning, the man left the house and returned later, again calling the child to his bed and raping her,” Van Dyk said. “He then showed her a large bag, claimed there was a firearm inside, and repeated his death threats. The child disclosed the abuse on December 19, 2020, after seeing her stepfather enter the house. Her mother immediately reported the matter to the police, resulting in the man’s arrest.”
Offender handed twin life terms
The court sentenced the man to two life terms for rape, as well as two sentences of five years’ imprisonment. The five-year sentences will run concurrently with the life sentences.
The court further declared the man unfit to possess a firearm, ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, and declared him unfit to work with children.
Police reaffirm commitment to child safety
Tshwane District Commissioner Major General Samuel Thine commended Moodley for the thorough investigation that secured the conviction. He added that the police remain committed to protecting children, holding perpetrators accountable, and bringing offenders to justice.
“We welcome this sentence and hope it serves as a strong message to perpetrators that crimes committed against children will not be tolerated,” Thine said. “We encourage victims and their families to report sexual offences to the police and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”
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