According to the Free State Policespokesperson Sergent Mahlomola Kareli
the conviction comes from an investigation initiated on 1 August 2023, following allegations of sexual abuse within his home. The mother who is the complainant reported the case regarding her 14-year-old daughter.
Investigations by Sergeant Frans Mofokeng revealed that the accused who is the victim’s stepfather, had engaged in sexual grooming of the 14-year-old victim since she was 12 years old, between 2021 and 2023, at their residence in Bethlehem. It was also revealed that the accused would allegedly compel the victim to watch pornographic material.
The 14-year-old victim experienced a change in behavior and was referred to a psychologist, where she disclosed the abuse, leading to the registration of a case while the accused was in the United States of America.
The stepfather was arrested on 13 November 2023, upon his arrival at OR Tambo International Airport.
During the trial, Mr. Nhlapo as prosecutor said the accused pleaded guilty to sexual grooming of the 14-year-old and was found guilty of sexual grooming and sentenced to six years imprisonment, with half of the sentence suspended for five years.