Mitchells Plain man sentenced to life imprisonment for raping stepdaughter

CAPE TOWN - A Mitchells Plain man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his stepdaughter for almost two decades.

The attacks started when the victim was a minor, and she is now in her 20s.

The 43-year-old man was found guilty on charges of indecent assault, sexual assault and four counts of rape.

The accused, who cannot be named, denied raping his wife's daughter and claimed that he had an affair with the victim from the age of 19.

He claims they had consensual sexual relations.

But the court rejected his claims of an affair and consensual sex and sentenced the 43-year-old man to life behind bars.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)'s Eric Ntabazalila said that the victim's ordeal was worsened by her mother, who chose not to believe her and even testified in her rapist's defence during his trial.

"The court ordered the prosecutor to inform the victim of her right to make representations should the accused be considered for parole, parole day or correctional supervision or attend any relevant meetings of the parole board."

In a victim impact statement, the young woman shared that she'd been diagnosed with anxiety and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, which causes fear, depression, nightmares and insomnia.