By OBAKENG MAJE
A stepfather was sentenced to double life imprisonment by the Postmasburg Regional Court for raping his two step-daughters aged 6 and 7 respectively. The two victims complained to their aunt during a visit that their stepfather instructed them to come and sleep with him.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the accused subsequently raped both of them, while their mother was asleep.
“The mother indicated that she suspected, however she was afraid of the accused to follow up.
“A case was reported to Danielskuil Police Station on 19 October 2018 and the accused was arrested a few days later in Groblershoop,” she said.
Masegela further said the accused was released on bail and failed to reappear in court. She added that a warrant for his arrest was issued and he was arrested on 30 September 2020.
“He was remained in custody during the period of trial. On 10 June 2024, the accused was convicted and was found guilty on two counts of rape.
“He was sentenced to life imprisonment for each count of rape. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name was recorded in the national register of sex offenders,” said Masegela.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the meticulous investigation by Sergeant Gaolatlhwe Mongake of Postmasburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit.
Otola said the police in the Northern Cape will continue to give priority to the safety of children and vulnerable groups by ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book and victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes receive justice.
TaungDailyNews 