The incident came to light on National Women's Day, August 9, 2022, when the victim’s mother was assisting with laundry at her parental home.
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A 62-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the repeated rape of his girlfriend's 9-year-old grandaughter in the Bainsvlei area.
The incident came to light on National Women's Day, August 9, 2022, when the victim’s mother was assisting with laundry at her parental home.
"Upon noticing physical symptoms and a discharge from her 9-year-old daughter, the mother questioned her, and she bravely identified her grandmother’s boyfriend as the perpetrator. Further investigations revealed that the victim had been raped on two separate occasions while visiting her grandmother at the suspect's residence in Oranjeweg, Bainsvlei," said the SAPS in a statement.
"Following the report at Bainsvlei Police Station, the case was immediately transferred to the Parkweg Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for specialised investigation. The suspect was arrested shortly thereafter and has remained in custody throughout the trial proceedings.
"Working together with advocate Valerie Herholdt from the National Prosecuting Authority, the court found the 62-year-old accused guilty of rape and sentenced him to life imprisonment."
Major General Apaphia Modise, the Free State Acting Provincial Commissioner, commended the meticulous work of the Parkweg FCS investigators and the bravery of the victim and her mother.
"This life sentence serves as a stern reminder that crimes against women and children remain a top priority for the South African Police Service, and we will continue to ensure that perpetrators are removed from society" said Major General Modise.