Man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping and impregnating his daughter
A 59-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment and a further 20 years by the Oudtshoorn Regional Court
Image: File
A 59-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment and a further 20 years by the Oudtshoorn Regional Court after being convicted of repeatedly raping and impregnating his minor daughter over a period of two years.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s regional spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, the accused was found guilty on charges of rape, sexual violation, and incest involving his 13-year-old biological child.
The court also heard that the child was born after the accused raped her mother when she was 16 years old. Although the accused was arrested and convicted for that rape, the conviction was later overturned on appeal by the High Court.
"She expressed frustration as she felt that the justice system had failed her when the high court acquitted the accused of her rape. She felt that if the high court did not set aside the accused’s rape conviction, he would not have raped her daughter".
In aggravation of sentence, prosecutor Hyron Goulding told the court the accused “was supposed to protect her, but he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing". Goulding also argued that the accused carefully planned the abuse, waiting for his wife to go to work before assaulting the child, who was just 13 years old when the rapes began.
"The court agreed with the State and sentenced the accused to 10 years direct imprisonment for sexual violation, life imprisonment for rape, and 20 years direct imprisonment for incest. It ordered the 10 years direct imprisonment for sexual violation to run concurrently with the life imprisonment, but the 20 years direct imprisonment for incest to run separately from the life imprisonment".
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, welcomed the sentence and praised the prosecution and investigation team for their determination in securing justice for the victim.
"She also commended the victim and her for their resolve in getting justice against the accused, who committed an atrocious crime against a mother and her child, people he swore to love and protect. She once again committed the NPA to continue prosecuting cases of gender-based violence unabated".
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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