STEPFATHER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING AND IMPREGNATING PARTNER’S DAUGHTER The Roodepoort Magistrates Court sentenced a stepfather to life imprisonment for raping and impregnating his partner’s daughter. The alleged rapes were committed over some time and the complainant did not report the same because the accused had threatened to kill her. The victim was 15 years old when she reported the incidents on 25 June 2022. She stated that she was raped since the age of 11. At the time of reporting, she had just given birth. The state conducted DNA and paternity tests on the accused and the newborn child. The results were positive. The complainant mentioned that the rape happened when her mother had gone to work as a domestic worker and stayed at her workplace. The accused pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted on his plea. At the sentencing stage, the prosecutor, Ms Zanele Chauke argued for life imprisonment stating that the accused abused the position of trust, and he pleaded guilty as there was overwhelming evidence against him. She added that rape is a heinous crime that is degrading to victims and violates the very dignity of the victims as well as their sense of security. She argued that the plea by the accused must not be mistaken as a sign of remorse. Ettiene Van Niekerk, the Regional Court Magistrate agreed with the state submissions and sentenced the accused to life imprisonment. The NPA commends Ms Chauke and the investigating officer, Sergeant Grace Mabungu for ensuring that justice
