Man gets 18 years for raping minor stepdaughter
Sharon Mathala | Thursday November 27, 2025 13:25
The man (names withheld), was sentenced to imprisonment this morning by Mogoditshane Chief Magistrate Gofaone Morweng, following mitigation. The facts of the matter are that at the time of committing the offence, Lobelo was familiar to the victim, as he was in a relationship with the victim’s mother at the time.
Reading out his judgement this morning, the magistrate noted that the accused had preyed on his 10-year-old stepdaughter by luring her to his bed, offering her money before abusing her. “Her innocence was shattered by someone she considered a father figure. The offence committed against the complainant is a morally reprehensible act, and the accused betrayed the trust the complainant had in him,” the Magistrate noted.
During mitigation, the accused had pleaded with the court that he was also a first-time offender. He further stated that he was a breadwinner, supporting his children and his elderly mother. Additionally, he told the court that he had a difficult upbringing and feels ashamed of his actions. He also urged the court to impose a lenient sentence that would aim to reform rather than punish him.
The Magistrate responded: “Rape has become a grievous problem within this court’s jurisdiction, and there is no need for statistics to prove its widespread nature. The impact of rape is beyond measure; victims suffer trauma and bear lifelong psychological scars. They also face added shame from their immediate communities, who may be aware of the harm done to them.”
The court further noted that the victim is a student and is likely to be stigmatised by her peers because of her experience. “Rape is a serious offence that breaches a woman's right to bodily integrity. It also exposes victims to diseases, some of which are permanent and life-altering,” Magistrate Morweng further noted. In the end, the Magistrate ruled that the man should serve 18 years in prison and that he should be refunded his P2000 bail money. He was also advised that he is at liberty to appeal his sentence within 14 days to the High Court.