The Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, welcomes the significant sentencing of a 42-year-old father who was handed two life terms imprisonment for the repeated rape of his daughter.
The conviction stems from an incident on 12 August 2023. At approximately 22:00, the 13-year-old victim was enjoying a braai with her family at their home in Bothaville, Free State. When the victim went inside the house to switch on the outside lights, she was followed by her father.
Inside the residence, the suspect overpowered the victim, undressed her, and raped her. Following the ordeal, the victim showed immense courage by reporting the matter to her mother, further revealing a harrowing history of sexual abuse that had been ongoing since she was four years old.
The suspect was promptly arrested and the case was assigned to Detective Constable Malearongwa Mokoena.
Through meticulous investigation and close collaboration with Prosecutor Tshegofatso Lebitsa, the 42-year-old was found guilty on two counts of rape and sentenced to two life terms imprisonment as well as five years’ direct imprisonment for sexual assault.
The Free State Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major General Apaphia Modise, has lauded the exceptional work of Detective Constable Mokoena and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
