The Eastern Cape High Court has sentenced a 35-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping his daughter while she was visiting him in Phakamisa.
The eight-year-old girl had slept over at her father's home on 19 December 2020, when he raped her.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that when she woke up in the middle of the night, she found her father lying on top of her. He raped her, and threatened her, telling her not to tell anyone.
"The little girl returned to her maternal home, also situated in Phakamisa, the following day. She disclosed the rape to her aunt a few days later after family members noticed that she walked with difficulty," said NPA spokesperson Anelisa Ngcakani.
A subsequent medical examination revealed that there was forced penetration.
Ngcakani said that during aggravation of sentence, advocate Vatiswa Jodwana-Blayi led the evidence of forensic social worker, Captain Ntombizandile Jiya, and that of the complainant's aunt.
"Their evidence depicted a deep betrayal by the father towards a daughter who loved and trusted him."
The State further argued that the accused did not show remorse.
The court noted that the State persistently argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
"Consequently, the court sentenced the 35-year-old father to life imprisonment," Ngcakane added.
News24