By OBAKENG MAJE
30 September 2026 – A father (14) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hartswater Regional Court for raping and sexually assaulting his biological daughter (14). The accused was convicted of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault after the court found that the state had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to evidence presented in court, the incident occurred on 7 October 2021, when the accused invited his children to his home to celebrate his birthday. During the early hours of the following morning, the victim and her younger siblings were sleeping in the same bed as the accused.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said after the younger children left the room, the accused prevented the victim from leaving the bed, undressed her, sexually assaulted her and raped her. Senokoatsane said the victim testified that she cried out for help, but loud music playing in the room prevented anyone from hearing her.
“Following the incident, the accused allegedly threatened to kill members of the victim’s maternal family if she disclosed the abuse.
The victim remained silent for several months until the offences came to light after she gave birth in July 2022.
“The court heard that the victim went into labour at home and gave birth with the assistance of her cousin (18), who initially believed she was suffering from severe stomach pains. The victim and her cousin were subsequently taken to hospital, where medical personnel questioned the minor about the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy and the identity of the child’s father,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said the matter was reported to the police, and the victim disclosed that her biological father was responsible. He added that the DNA testing later confirmed that the accused was the biological father of the child.
“During the trial, the accused denied the allegations and claimed that the case had been fabricated by his wife’s family. However, the court rejected his version and convicted him on both counts.
“The sentence demonstrated the authority’s commitment to protecting children and ensuring accountability for sexual offences.
The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences without fear, favour, or prejudice and to ensuring that vulnerable victims, particularly children, are treated with dignity, compassion, and sensitivity throughout the criminal justice process,” said Senokoatsane.
He said during sentencing, the state prosecutor Matilda Sekhoetsane argued that the seriousness of the offences and the aggravating circumstances warranted the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment. Senokoatsane said the court also considered a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by Dimpho Nikani, in which the victim described the emotional and psychological trauma she had suffered, including feelings of betrayal, fear and distrust.
“The court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment for rape and five years imprisonment for sexual assault, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. The NPA further emphasised the importance of reporting sexual abuse and ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and protection, particularly where abuse occurs within relationships of trust.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape Division welcomed the sentence, saying it reflected the seriousness of sexual offences committed against children and the lasting impact on victims,” he said.
