SASOLBURG. – A 45-year-old stepfather has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his stepdaughter aged 13.

The harsh sentence was passed in Sasolburg Magistrates’ Court on 28 October. This follows a case reported to the police about an incident that took place on 27 March 2020. Police Spokesperson, Captain Malebo Khosana said the court heard how the stepfather on the night in question raped a child on the bed at the time the mother was not around.

“The victim was left with her other siblings who at the time were sleeping next to her. Apparently the action became a norm to him,” said police.

Later the victim reported to the stepfather that she had fallen pregnant. Instead, he bought some medication for the victim to terminate pregnancy. However, the victim did not drink it. Later the stepfather apparently reported to his lover that he suspect that the victim might be pregnant. On further pursue the suspect said the victim is lying to say she had slept with him.

Police said the suspect had instructed the victim to blame a wrong person.

Detective Constable Nondlela Mthembu, investigated the case. Later the victim made an about turn and spill the beans about the ordeal with her stepfather. At the time of the ordeal the victim and suspect stayed in the same house. The victim gave birth on December 2020. The paternity test resulted positive.

The suspect pleaded guilty.