'Children should not fear parents' says IO in case of father accused of raping and impregnating daughter

JOHANNESBURG - The Investigating officer in the case of a father accused of raping and impregnating his daughter told the Tsakani Magistrate’s Court that children should be protected by their parents, not live in fear of them.

He was testifying at the Tsakani Magistrate Court during the bail application of the accused.

He added that he does not believe the accused should be granted bail, because the victim says she fear for her life.

During his testimony the Sergeant told the court that the victim said in her statement if her father could rape her, she fears he could kill her.

After the alleged rapes in 2022 the parents of the child removed her from school and locked her in the house for months fearing she might report the rapes.

When she fell pregnant, they moved her to live with her paternal grandmother in Limpopo who also accused her of lying about the perpetrator being her father.

She gave birth and three years later reported the matter to the police.

Even behind bars and with DNA evidence proving the father is the alleged rapist, the accused has denied responsibility.

The Investigating Officer says the victim needs emotional support