Durban - A man has been handed a life sentence in the Esikhawini Regional Court for raping his stepdaughter twice, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Friday.
The 31-year-old man appeared in court on Thursday, said Colonel Jay Naicker.
During February 2010, the 13-year-old girl was sleeping in her room when her stepfather overpowered and raped her.
He threatened to kill and chase her out of his Esikhawini home if she reported the matter to her mother.
In March last year, the man raped her again.
“Her mother noticed that the victim was pregnant and when she questioned her, she told her mum what has been happening,” said Naicker.
The case was reported to police.
After an investigation, the man was arrested.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Mmamonnye Ngobeni said she hoped the sentence would deter other rapists.
“The collective efforts of the SA Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority and Department of Justice has restored the community's faith that such monsters will not get away with their evil deeds,” she said.
“We hope that this sentence will deter others who have intentions to take advantage of our young and innocent children.”
Naicker did not elaborate on the outcome of the girl's pregnancy. - Sapa