The Tzaneen Magistrates Court in Limpopo has sentenced a 43-year-old man to two life terms for raping and impregnating his 16-year-old stepdaughter a four-year-old from the same village in a separate incident.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said on 25 July 2014, the accused raped a 4-year-old girl at Shawela village. "The victim was raped by the accused while she went to play with her friends. She returned home and complained about pains in her private part. Her mother took her to the local clinic and it was revealed that the girl was raped by an unknown suspect. A case of rape was opened and investigations started," said Mashaba. Meanwhile, on 11 June 2022, the accused raped and impregnated his stepdaughter aged 16 at their house in Mokhwati village. "The victim informed her mother about the ordeal, she then reported the matter to the Police and a case of rape was opened. Both cases of rape were transferred to Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit," said Mashaba.

Mashaba said both cases were linked to the accused through DNA evidence and the accused was then arrested on 13 June 2022. The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo SAPS, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has praised the hardworking FCS Detective, Sergeant Auldah Vukeya for securing a two life imprisonment sentence. "We cannot expunge the unfortunate incidents transpired against the victims but we do ensure that justice is well served to the victims. It does not matter who is the perpetrator, let us report any criminality to the Police," said Lieutenant General Hadebe.