The Mitchells Plain stepfather life sentence follows nearly two decades of abuse. The Mitchell’s Plain Regional Court sentenced the 43-year-old man to life imprisonment, with an additional 40 years for related sexual offences. He may not be identified. The case rested on the survivor’s testimony and medical evidence of old scars and tears, according to the Mitchell’s Plain Community Policing Forum
Court Rejects “Consensual” Claim
The man claimed he had a “consensual relationship” with his stepdaughter from when she was 19, and that he even convinced family members of it. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the survivor started being sexually violated at age seven, and that he raped her in the family home—even taking her to the bathroom while her mother was in another room, citing NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila. The court found his version contradicted by the survivor’s evidence and medical findings, the CPF said.
Survivor’s Voice
“I don’t remember how life was before my trauma… My life has become hard based on my trauma,” the 24-year-old said in a victim impact statement shared with media by the NPA.
“By speaking my truth, my mom chose a husband over me… She first tried to manipulate me to keep me quiet,” the statement read.
Protection Orders and Registers
Beyond the Mitchells Plain stepfather life sentence, the court ordered his name entered in the National Register for Sex Offenders and the National Child Protection Register. He is unsuitable to work with children and unfit to possess a firearm, according to CPF accounts. The state must also inform the survivor of her right to make representations if he is ever considered for parole or correctional supervision, the CPF noted.
Community Response
CPF PRO Linda Jones welcomed the outcome and praised state prosecutor Chantal Adams. The Mitchells Plain stepfather life sentence sends a clear message: the justice system will act on survivor testimony backed by evidence.
