Mitchells Plain Man Sentenced to Life for Raping Stepdaughter Over Two Decades
Mitchells Plain man sentenced to life for raping stepdaughter over two decades. A Mitchells Plain man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his stepdaughter for almost two decades. The attacks started when the victim was a minor, and she is now in her 20s.
The 43-year-old man was found guilty on charges of indecent assault, sexual assault and four counts of rape.
Court Rejects Accused’s Defence of Consensual Affair
In a landmark ruling at the Mitchells Plain Regional Court, a 43-year-old man was handed a life sentence plus 15 years to run concurrently for the prolonged sexual abuse of his stepdaughter, which began when she was just seven years old and continued until she was 26. The accused, whose identity is withheld to protect the victim, denied the rape allegations during the trial, insisting that he had a consensual romantic affair with the young woman starting from when she was 19. He claimed their sexual relations were mutual and not forced.
However, Magistrate Phindiwe Gqamana dismissed these assertions as baseless, finding them inconsistent with the evidence presented. Prosecutor Yolisa Sigadla built a compelling case, highlighting the power imbalance and the victim’s vulnerability as a child under the accused’s care. The court convicted him on one count of indecent assault, one count of sexual assault, and four counts of rape, underscoring the gravity of the crimes committed over nearly two decades.
The sentencing brings some measure of justice to a case that exposed deep family betrayal and long-term trauma. The judge emphasised the breach of trust, noting that the stepfather, whom the victim called “daddy,” exploited his position to perpetrate the abuse.
Victim’s Ordeal Worsened by Mother’s Disbelief
The victim’s suffering was compounded by her mother’s refusal to believe her allegations. During the trial, the mother testified in defence of her husband, choosing to side with him over her daughter. This betrayal left the victim feeling isolated and further traumatised, as she faced not only the horrors of the abuse but also rejection from her own parent.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila highlighted this aspect, stating that the mother’s stance added to the victim’s pain. The court has ordered the prosecutor to inform the victim of her right to make representations should the accused be considered for parole, day parole, or correctional supervision. She will also have the opportunity to attend relevant parole board meetings, ensuring her voice is heard in any future decisions about the perpetrator’s release.
Profound Impact on Victim’s Life and Mental Health
In a poignant victim impact statement read in court, the now-adult survivor detailed the lasting scars of the abuse. Diagnosed with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she suffers from ongoing fear, depression, nightmares, and insomnia. These conditions have disrupted her daily life, affecting her relationships, work, and overall well-being.
The young woman shared how the trauma has robbed her of a normal childhood and adulthood, leaving her to rebuild her life piece by piece. Her courage in coming forward and testifying has been praised by advocates, who see her story as a beacon for other survivors to seek justice.
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