By Staff Reporter
GIYANI-The Giyani Regional Court has convicted and sentenced a 36-year-old male accused to 20 years imprisonment for the rape of his eleven-year-old step-daughter.
On Wednesday, 28 May 2024, the victim was at home with her stepfather in Giyani Section F while her mother was working night shifts.
The court established that the accused engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim and the following day, requested a family meeting to address the incident.
During the meeting, the stepfather admitted to having sexual intercourse with the child, revealing that it was not the first time.
Social workers were notified, and they advised the mother to report the incident to the police, leading to the opening of a rape case. Sergeant Maropeng Alpheus Mashapa arrested the suspect on Thursday, 29 May 2024, and successfully opposed bail until the accused was found guilty and sentenced.
Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the court verdict, emphasizing the importance of removing individuals who pose a threat to vulnerable victims.
