Father sentenced to 20 years for sexually assaulting biological daughter

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A 38-year-old father has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court for sexually assaulting his 9-year-old daughter in 2021.

The issue came to light when the victim’s mother came back from smoking outside. She saw the accused putting his finger into the child’s private parts while they sat on the sofa under a blanket.

He quickly pulled up his trousers, acted as if nothing had happened, and offered coffee. The mother reported the incident to the Roodepoort Police Station, leading to his arrest on 18 May 2021.

According to reports, Sergeant Ditsi found that he had touched the child’s private parts and exposed himself to her on different occasions.

Phindi Mjonondwane, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng, said the state called the mother to testify. She revealed that the child now has trouble making friends.

“The child also withdraws from others and does poorly in school. She has low self-esteem and often walks with her head down.

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“Regional Court Prosecutor Kelebogile Sibi emphasized how serious the crime is. She noted the child’s vulnerability and the father’s failure to protect her.

“Magistrate Anneline Africa considered the accused’s authority as the child’s guardian. Applying proportionality, she departed from the prescribed life sentence, balancing punishment with its objectives,” she remarked.

Sentences to run concurrently

Mjonondwane said the accused got 20 years for rape and 5 years for sexual assault. These sentences run at the same time, so the total is 20 years.

She added; “All sexual violence violates victims’ constitutional rights to dignity and bodily integrity. The NPA prosecutes these crimes with unrelenting determination, ensuring perpetrators face the full might of the law and victims receive justice.”