KIMBERLEY – The Northern Cape has witnessed a decisive legal action against sexual violence as the Mothibistad Regional Court sentences a man for the rape and sexual assault of his stepdaughter.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS), 50-year-old Onkabetse Leeme was sentenced to a total of 30 years in prison on Tuesday, 24 October 2023. The court handed down 20 years for rape and a concurrent 10 years for sexual assault.
In December 2020, a 13-year-old girl was sent by her mother to collect money from her mother’s boyfriend. Upon her arrival, Leeme locked the door and raped her. Despite informing her mother, her allegations were met with disbelief. In January 2021, he raped her again, issuing threats to ensure her silence. The repeated assaults came to light when the victim confided in her aunt, leading to a police report and the subsequent arrest of Leeme.
Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, praised Detective Sergeant Normawonga Keetile for her diligent investigation that secured the conviction and sentencing. This case underlines the police’s resolve to combat gender-based violence and bring perpetrators to justice.