As the country was observing Child Protection Week a 41-year-old father was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his daughter who was 7 years old at the time of the offence. The SAPS Management has welcomed the life sentence that was handed down today, 07 June 2021 in the Olifantshoek Regional Circuit court.

The victim who was 7-year-old when her father, the accused who was 36 when he raped her in her bedroom at 03:00 on 31 December 2016 in Diepkloof in Olifantshoek.

It was reported that the father undressed his daughter while she was sleeping, shoved her pyjama pants in her mouth to prevent her from screaming and then raped her. After the ordeal he threatened her, that should she tell anyone he would stop giving her lunch money. Sadly the victim only informed her mother on 09 November 2017 about the incident and she reported the incident to the police.

The accused was arrested on the same day but was released on bail during 2019. The accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name was recorded in the National Sexual Offences register.

The Provincial Head of the FCS units, Brig Nicky Mills applauded the Investigating officer, D/Sgt Maletsatsi Smous from the Kathu FCS unit for the meticulous investigation of the case which led to incarceration of the perpetrator, especially during the period when we are supposed to be advocating for the safety and rights of children.

Source: South African Police Service