POLOKWANE – The Seshego Magistrate’s Court has handed down two life sentences to a 34-year-old man convicted of raping his girlfriend’s 13-year-old daughter on two separate occasions in 2021.

The crime

Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, says the assaults took place at the victim’s mother’s home in Seshego, where the accused, who was in a relationship with the mother at the time, targeted the child while she was getting ready for school.

“He carried out the attacks while the mother was in another room and threatened the girl to ensure she stayed silent.”

The victim eventually found the courage to speak out, confiding in a motivational speaker who had visited her school. With the speaker’s help, the matter was brought to her mother’s attention, who immediately reported the case to police.

A case was opened at the Seshego Police Station in November 2022 and transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Detective Sergeant Nation Teffo led the investigation, gathering evidence that resulted in the arrest of the accused.

The sentencing

Following court proceedings, the Seshego Magistrate’s Court found the man guilty yesterday (November 26) and sentenced him to two life imprisonment terms, one for each count of rape.

He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name will be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence, commending the investigating officer and the prosecution team for their dedication to securing justice for the victim.