rape Police officer accused of rape

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Rape Latest: Man sentenced to double life term in jail

The man repeatedly raped his two minor daughters over a period of several years until one of his children told a friend about the rapes.

rape Police officer accused of rape

Image via: Adobe Stock

A 44-year-old Inanda man has been handed a double life sentence for the repeated rape of his two minor daughters.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Natasha Kara said the man repeatedly raped his five year old child until she was 15 years old. He also raped his six-year-old girl on different occasions. 

“He raped them at night, in their family home where they lived with his wife and their other children. He did this unbeknown to his wife. Both children were initially afraid to report the matter,” Kara said.

“In January 2019 while the 6-year-old victim was playing with her friend, she mentioned what her father was doing. The conversation was overheard by an adult neighbour. The matter was reported to a community leader and a case was opened. It is at this stage that the older daughter also disclosed her encounters with her father,” Kara.

The man denied the allegations throughout court proceedings. 

Regional Court Prosecutor, Jenisha Sewbaran led the evidence of the victims, the neighbour, police officers, and the doctor who examined the children after the incidents were reported.

Victim Impact Statements compiled by the rape victims and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Xolile Mzobe were submitted to the court in aggravation of sentence. 

“One victim said that her father was selfish and that his actions had hurt them a lot. The other victim said that her father should not come back home as he may repeat his actions,” Kara said.