Man faces life in prison for heinous crime

A man appeared who appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on May 7 was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping and impregnating his stepdaughter.

According to prosecutor Zanele Chauke, the victim was 15 years old when the alleged incident occurred. The victim did not report it at the time because the accused was allegedly threatening to kill her.

On June 25, 2022, the victim reported the incident and stated that she was raped at the age of 11 by the accused and at the time of reporting, she had just given birth.

She added that the accused would rape her when her mother left for work.

The state conducted DNA tests to confirm the paternity of the child, which was positively linked to the accused.

After pleading guilty, Chauke argued that the accused’s plea must not be mistaken as a sign of remorse with the reasoning that the accused abused his position of trust and pleaded guilty as there is evidence against him.

“This is a heinous crime that is degrading to victims and violates the very dignity of the victims as well as their sense of security,” Chauke said.

Regional Court Magistrate Ettiene van Niekerk agreed to the state’s submissions and sentenced the accused to life imprisonment bringing relief to the victim and her family.

National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng Regional spokesperson Phindi Mjondwane commends Chauke and the investigating officer, Sergeant Grace Mabungu, for ensuring that justice prevailed.