By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for raping his biological daughter, following a case investigated by the Phuthaditjhaba Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
The Phuthaditjhaba Regional Court handed down the sentence on Thursday, 17 September 2026, after the man was convicted of rape. The case stemmed from an incident in December 2021, when the then 13-year-old girl visited her biological father at his home to get to know him, having not known him since birth.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the accused sexually assaulted the child during the visit and instructed her not to disclose what had happened, telling her it should remain a secret between them.
The victim later disclosed that the abuse continued on occasions when her father returned home from Gauteng, where he was working. She also alleged that he raped her during a visit to Gauteng while threatening her with a firearm.
The girl remained silent about the abuse until 9 April 2023, when she disclosed what had happened to her mother through social media. Her mother, who was working in KwaZulu-Natal at the time, immediately returned home, took her daughter to a clinic and later to the police station, where a rape case was opened.
The accused was subsequently arrested and the matter proceeded to court.
Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said the case highlights the importance of reporting sexual offences, particularly when children are involved.
“We urge victims of sexual offences, especially children, to speak out and report such incidents to the police or a trusted adult. Early reporting enables the police to investigate and ensures that perpetrators are brought before the courts,” said Mophiring.
The Provincial Commissioner commended Detective Sergeant Tlaleng Mohale of the Phuthaditjhaba FCS Unit for the investigation and Prosecutor Nteo for presenting the case before court.
The matter was presided over by Magistrate Msimanga.
