A Mamelodi man has been sentenced to life in prison for repeatedly raping his girlfriend’s 12-year-old daughter. He also received five years for sexual assault, to run concurrently with the life term.

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court delivered the sentence after convicting the man, referred to as Mr X, on the charges. The offences happened at the child’s home where he lived as her guardian.

Abuse Spanned Two Years

The rapes and sexual assaults took place between 2022 and 2023. The victim was only 12 years old when the abuse started.

On 15 May 2023, the girl finally told her parents what was happening. Police acted quickly, arresting Mr X soon after. The child received vital medical, psychological and legal support at the Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre.

Her testimony, backed by evidence from her father, convinced the court beyond reasonable doubt.

No Mercy for Betraying Trust

Mr X pleaded not guilty, but the magistrate rejected his defence completely. The court found no substantial and compelling reasons to give him anything less than the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

“The accused abused his position of trust as a guardian of the victim,” the magistrate ruled.

Strong Message Against GBV

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the outcome.

Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said, “The NPA welcomes the sentence handed down to Mr X.”
She added: “The NPA calls on all South Africans to unite against gender-based violence (GBV) and to create safe environments where the constitutional rights of children, particularly their right to dignity and safety, are fully protected.”

This life sentence sends a loud and clear warning to anyone who thinks they can prey on children in their own home. For many South African families battling the scourge of GBV, it’s proof that reporting abuse and standing firm in court can deliver real justice.