Free State father sentenced to eight years for sexually assaulting 13-year-old daughter - IOL

Free State police say they are committed to victim-centered policing and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are brought to justice after a man was sentenced for sexually assaulting his daughter.

A 40-year-old man from the Free State has been sentenced by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court for the sexual assault of his 13-year-old biological daughter. 

The incident took place on May 2024, when he sexually assaulted his daughter in his bedroom. 

The man subjected his daughter to inappropriate sexual conduct and made derogatory remarks to justify his actions before she eventually disclosed the abuse to her mother.

The court sentenced the man to eight years of direct imprisonment. 

The provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Sinah Mpakane, said police management welcomed the sentence. 

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) commends the diligent work of Detective Sergeant Peter, whose thorough investigation ensured the docket was court-ready and that the victim was supported throughout the criminal justice process.”  

Mpakane said the conviction and substantial sentence reaffirmed the commitment of the Free State SAPS to victim-centered policing and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are brought to justice. 

In a separate incident, the Parys Regional Court convicted and sentenced James Motaung, 28, to 20 years’ imprisonment for rape. 

The sentence stems from an incident that occurred in April 2023, when the then 78-year-old victim was asleep at her home. Motaung broke into the house, attacked and raped her.

During the ordeal, the pensioner fought back and managed to bite Motaung on his finger, causing him injuries, and he fled the scene. The investigating officer, Sergeant Fongoqa, was assigned to the case, and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) was summoned to the scene to collect forensic evidence that could assist in identifying the rapist.

Motaung was positively identified through DNA evidence which led to his arrest in 2024. 

He was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment for rape and eight years' for housebreaking, with the sentences to run concurrently. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.