By Mapaballo Borotho
- A Pretoria man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of his 13-year-old stepdaughter.
- The court found that he abused a position of trust and showed no remorse.
- His identity has been withheld to protect the minor.
A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment following the rape of his 13-year-old stepdaughter in Pretoria.
The incident took place in 2023 at a friend’s residence near the perpetrator’s home in Ekangala, within the City of Tshwane.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the accused cannot be named in order to protect the identity of the minor.
“He was arrested on 30 December 2023 and has remained in custody since the NPA successfully opposed his release on bail.
In court, the man pleaded not guilty to the charge and claimed that the victim’s mother was using the child against him. However, State Prosecutor Jonas Mahlangu presented compelling evidence, including the testimony of the victim, which proved the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Mahanjana.
During sentencing proceedings, the defence requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, citing that the accused is a first-time offender, is employed, and has three children.
However, the State argued that the man was in a position of trust and, instead of protecting the child, abused that trust.
In handing down judgment, Magistrate Kalile Bosch agreed with the State that the accused showed no remorse and had been convicted of a serious offence prevalent within the court’s jurisdiction.
The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence, and life imprisonment was imposed.
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