A 60-year-old man from Limpopo was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and prolonged abuse of his stepdaughter, following a harrowing trial at the Groblersdal Regional Court.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the court heard that the abuse began in 2001 when the victim was just 11 years old.

"The accused, who was the victim's stepfather, would threaten to kill her, wait for her to return from school, and then sexually assault her. He even went as far as to stop her from attending school and forced her to become his wife while they were still living in Middleburg," said Ledwaba.

"The victim suffered unimaginable trauma, including being assaulted with a homemade belt, having her private parts cut with a razor and being locked up with a key. She became pregnant at 15, and she was forcefully taken back to Dennilton RDP phase 2 by the accused."

For years, her cries for help went unheard. It was only in 2022, when a sibling reported the assault, that authorities stepped in.

During trial proceedings, the prosecutor grew suspicious and sought intervention from the Groblersdal Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS). This led to the victim finally revealing the horrific extent of the abuse.

A crucial breakthrough came when DNA evidence linked the accused to the crime, leading to his arrest in December 2022. His bail was denied, and after a lengthy legal process, he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Sergeant Lethuba Tsheola, the lead investigator, played a vital role in ensuring justice was served.

His work was praised by the provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, who welcomed the sentencing.

"This sentence serves as a reminder that justice will be served, no matter how long it takes," said Hadebe.

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