Father gets DOUBLE life sentence for rape of daughters

A 44-year-old Inanda man was recently sentenced by the Ntuzuma Regional Court to two terms of life imprisonment for the repeated rape of his two biological daughters.

Natasha Kara, spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority said the man raped his older daughter from the time she was five years old until she was 15 years old and he raped his six-year-old daughter on different occasions.

NEIGHBOUR OVERHEARD GIRL SPEAKING TO HER FRIEND

“The man raped them at night, in their family home where they lived with his wife and their other children. He did this unbeknown to his wife. Both children were initially afraid to report the matter.”

Kara said an adult neighbour overheard a conversation between the 6-year-old girl and her friend while playing in January 2019.

“The girl mentioned what her father was doing.”

The matter was reported to a community leader and a case was opened.

“It is at this stage that the older daughter also disclosed her encounters with her father.”

READ: ‘Shameful’: Nearly 10 000 people raped between January and March 2021

FATHER DENIES RAPE ALLEGATIONS IN COURT

Kara said the man denied the allegations throughout court proceedings.

“The Regional Court Prosecutor, Jenisha Sewbaran led the evidence of the victims, the neighbour, police officer, and the doctor who examined the children after the incidents were reported.”

Victim Impact Statements compiled by the victims and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Xolile Mzobe were submitted to the court in aggravation of sentence.

“One victim said that her father was selfish and that his actions had hurt them a lot. The other victim said that her father should not come back home as he may repeat his actions.”

CHILDLINE South Africa recently introduced a new, shorter number.

The organisation launched its 116 number which is a toll-free helpline number for both children and families with child-related matters.