Eastern Cape father sentenced to two life terms for raping 12-year-old daughter

A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to two life terms of imprisonment for raping his 12-year-old biological daughter on two occasions in the Eastern Cape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence imposed by the Bityi Regional Court. The sentences will run concurrently.

The convicted man has not been named to protect the identity of the child.

Evidence presented in court revealed that the first rape occurred on New Year's Day in 2024, when the victim went to her father's outside structure in their yard with her twin sister to play games on his cellphone.

After her sister left, the girl remained behind with her father.

The accused allegedly closed the door, returned to his bed, undressed and raped her.

The child did not report the incident at the time because she feared her father would assault her.

The second incident took place on 2 June 2024, when the victim took supper to her father at his outside structure.

Upon her arrival, he allegedly took her to the bed, forcibly removed her clothes and raped her.

The abuse only came to light after the child missed her menstrual period and disclosed what had happened to her grandmother.

She was taken to a clinic, where it was established that she had been sexually active. She subsequently revealed that her father had raped her.

Her grandmother then opened a criminal case against her own son.

Father changed his version during cross-examination

The accused pleaded not guilty, claiming that he had merely slept next to the complainant.

However, during cross-examination by Acting Regional Court Prosecutor Anelisiwe Rwaxa, he reportedly changed his version several times.

He further told the court that the case did not matter to him and that he had no way to rebut the State's evidence because he did not care.

In aggravation of sentence, the State argued that the offences had fundamentally violated the child's sense of trust and safety, particularly because the perpetrator was her biological father and primary caregiver.

The court subsequently sentenced him to two life terms of imprisonment, to run concurrently.

NPA welcomes life sentences

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Adv. Samkelo Mtwana commended the victim's grandmother for supporting her granddaughter and ensuring that the abuse was reported.

He also praised the prosecution team and law enforcement authorities for their professionalism and diligence in handling the case.

"This sentence demonstrates the courts' unwavering commitment to protecting women and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are held fully accountable for their actions.

"The NPA remains steadfast in its efforts to combat gender-based violence and secure justice for victims," said Mtwana.

The NPA reiterated its commitment to prosecuting crimes against women and all vulnerable persons, ensuring that justice is pursued without fear, favour or prejudice.