17 Aug 2025

Magistrate Jobbie Moilatshimo of Broadhurst Magistrate Court has sentenced a 42-year-old man to 15 years in prison for raping his own daughter.

The man, whose name cannot be revealed to protect the child’s identity, was sentenced on August 14.

In passing the sentence, Magistrate Moilatshimo said the convict did not present any extenuating circumstances to warrant a lesser sentence below the minimum mandatory sentence, adding that offense was eligible for a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.

She noted that the convict, as the biological father of the victim, had maintained his innocence despite overwhelming evidence leading to his conviction.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the convict in this matter lacks any remorse or contrition,” she said, adding that he had remained nonchalant and distanced himself from the information of the offence.

She said convict raised the children as a single parent, playing a fatherly role, adding that the good he played was taken away by the incident.

The magistrate further emphasised that courts were mandated to protect women and children from violence.

She said the trauma experienced by the victim would forever scar her, having been sexually assaulted by a trusted figure for an extended period.

Therefore, she said the sentence reflected the severity of the convict’s actions, which had destroyed the victim’s world.

“I am minded to pass a sentence that is aimed at deterrence,” she added, noting the need to rehabilitate the convict and provide closure for the victim.

She further said she noted all what the convict had said in his mitigation, that he was single parent, never raised a voice to his children and took them in order to afford them an opportunity to go to school and have a better life.

However, he noted that the commission of this offence was aggravated by the relationship between the convict and the victim, hence she sentenced him to imprisonment for a period of 15 years.

She further advised him of his right to appeal to the High Court within 14 days if aggrieved by the sentence. ENDS