The Greytown Regional Court in KwaZulu-Natal has sentenced a 29-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping his eight-year-old daughter.
To protect the child’s identity, the man’s name has not been disclosed.
According to police spokesperson Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyana, the man arrived intoxicated at a home in March, where his daughter was staying with her aunt.
He demanded to sleep in the same room as the child.
Daughter reveals rape after Aunt discovers signs of abuse
The following morning, the aunt noticed the girl struggling to walk. When she asked what had happened, the child told her that her father had raped her.
Police Respond Immediately
Police opened a rape case and assigned it to Sergeant Richard Gilden from the Greytown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
Officers arrested the man shortly after the report. Sgt Gilden led a thorough investigation and compiled strong evidence for the court.
The man pleaded guilty, and the court sentenced him to life imprisonment.
Police Welcome Tough Sentence
Umzinyathi District Commissioner Major-General Francis Slambert welcomed the ruling.
He said the police remain committed to protecting vulnerable children and tackling gender-based violence.
“This life sentence sends a clear message,” Slambert said. “We will continue to ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes face the full force of the law.”
What do you think needs to change in our communities to better protect children from abuse?
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