Father sentenced to three life terms for the sexual abuse of his daughters
A father who sexually abused his three minor daughters was handed three life sentences at the Blue Downs Regional Court this week after he was convicted of rape and attempted rape.
The offences came to light when the eldest child, aged 10, reported the abuse to the police after enduring years of victimisation, including her younger siblings
During the trial, the court heard that the mother knew about the abuse but did not report it because she feared losing the accused’s financial support and being left without accommodation for herself and the children.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the victory came as part of their intensified efforts to combat crimes against the most vulnerable members of society and was lauded as one of their successes, in which the directorate, over the past week, secured 24 life sentences in matters involving serious crimes committed against children.
The father, sentenced on July 29, cannot be named to protect the identities of his biological daughters.
Ntabazalila confirmed the man was convicted on three counts of rape and one count of attempted commission of a sexual act involving his children, who were aged four, eight and 10 at the time of the offences.
“During the trial, State Prosecutor Tamryn de Nicker, who took over the matter from retired prosecutor Coopstad, led crucial evidence, including testimony from the children’s mother. She informed the court that she had been aware of the abuse but had not reported it because she feared losing the accused’s financial support and being left without accommodation for herself and the children.
“The prosecutor also presented the testimony of the child victims, whose evidence was given under extremely difficult and emotional circumstances. Due to severe trauma, the youngest child was unable to testify conventionally. The court received age-appropriate assistance measures to ensure her evidence was properly presented,” said Ntabazalila.
The State further called expert medical witnesses, including a doctor from the Karl Bremer Hospital Thuthuzela Care Centre, who testified regarding the significant physical harm suffered by the victims. Medical evidence presented to the court confirmed the severe and lasting impact of the abuse.
Victim Impact Statements placed before the court highlighted the profound emotional, psychological, and social consequences experienced by the children. The court heard how the abuse had affected their daily lives, education, well-being, and prospects.
“In argument on sentence, De Nicker submitted that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.
The State argued that the seriousness of the offences, the vulnerability of the victims, and the enduring trauma they suffered warranted the imposition of the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment.
“The court agreed with the State’s submissions and imposed three life sentences. The NPA welcomes the outcome, which reflects the courts’ commitment to protecting children and holding perpetrators accountable for crimes of this nature,” said Ntabazalila.
The court sentenced him to three life sentences for the rape convictions and two years’ direct imprisonment for the attempted offence.
The court further ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
“The NPA also remains committed to supporting victims of crime beyond the courtroom. Efforts are under way to ensure that the affected children continue to receive counselling and that appropriate medical assistance is secured to address the long-term consequences of the abuse,” said Ntabazalila.
