Tebogo Msimanga |
The High Court in Mthata in Eastern Cape sentenced Samkele Mcakacwa (37) to 28 years imprisonment for repeatedly raping his stepdaughter.Mcakacwa pleaded guilty to raping his wife’s daughter from when she was aged 11 until she was 13 years, impregnating her in the process.
Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said at an unspecified date in September 2019, the 32-year-old wife left to attend a traditional ceremony at her maiden home. “She left Mcakacwa with the then 11-year-old girl and his eight-year-old biological daughter. It is on this day that he raped the older child for the first time before threatening her with death if she told anyone, including her mother.”
Mcakacwa admitted having sexual intercourse with his stepdaughter whenever her mother was not home until 17 December 2020
Tyali added that the teenager only broke her silence when her aunt noticed that she was pregnant. “When confronted with the allegations, Mcakacwa convened a family meeting and asked his relatives to resolve the matter before it could reach the authorities.”
Mcakacwa fled to KwaZulu-Natal where he was arrested in Bhambayi in March this year.
The State Advocate, Banele Mhlongo asked the court to impose a lengthy sentence because not only did the victim have to drop out of school at a tender age, she gave birth to a child who would be a constant reminder that she was raped by her stepfather.
