By KEDIBONE MOALETSI
28 January 2026- A man (39) was sentenced to three life terms of imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for the rape of his stepdaughter. The accused was arrested following a case registered at Mogwase Police Station, where he was charged with four counts of rape.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said according to evidence presented before court, the victim, now 24 years old, reported that she was repeatedly raped (between the age of 13 and 22) by her stepfather from 7 October 2014 until 6 December 2023. Bobelo said the sexual abuse occurred over a period of nine years and on numerous occasions, to the extent that the victim could no longer recall the exact number of incidents.
“In February 2024, the victim bravely reported the matter to the police after she could no longer endure the prolonged emotional and physical trauma. The accused was subsequently arrested and formally charged. On Tuesday, the accused was found guilty and sentenced accordingly.
“He was not found of rape on count one, but found guilty on count 2, 3 and 4, where he was sentenced to life imprisonment each. The court further ordered that Counts 3 and 4 run concurrently with Count 2, resulting in an effective sentence of three life terms of imprisonment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, congratulated the investigating officer, Sergeant Balungile Makaya and the prosecution, whose commitment and diligence played a critical role in securing this conviction. Naidoo emphasized that perpetrators of sexual offences—especially those who abuse positions of trust within families—will be held fully accountable and be removed from society.
“The sentence reflects the seriousness of sexual violence, particularly those committed against children,” he said.
The Guardian 