A 36-year-old stepfather has been sentenced to double life imprisonment by the Regional Court in Gqeberha on October 9 for the rape of his 16-year-old stepdaughter.
According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, the complainant (16) was raped twice during the months of September 2023 and December 2023 by her stepfather.
Janse van Rensburg said the complainant did not say anything to anyone after the first incident because the accused threatened to kill her if she told someone.
“When it happened for the second time, she did speak up, and SAPS Bethelsdorp was contacted, and a rape case was opened,” she said.
According to Janse van Rensburg, the investigator, Constable Ramba, arrested the accused in December 2023, and he was charged and appeared in court on two counts of rape.
“The suspect was not released and remained in custody for the duration of the trial,” she added.
She further added that on Wednesday, October 9, he was found guilty and sentenced as follows:
– Counts 1 and 2 – Rape – life imprisonment, the sentences will run concurrently.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, congratulated the investigating officer and the prosecuting authority for ensuring that this manipulative criminal is sent to prison for a long time.
“Sexual violence does not only violate human rights but also leaves deep psychological and emotional scars on the victims.
“It is very disturbing when perpetrators are the ones that are close to the victims and are trusted by them.”Rape is a crime that mainly happens behind closed doors and out of the public eye; therefore, the SAPS urges victims to immediately report such humiliating acts of degradation so that perpetrators are arrested and justice is gained for the victims.”
