A 35-year-old man from Jotsholo has been sentenced to an effective 17 years in prison after being convicted of repeatedly raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter.
According to court findings, the abuse began in December 2024 when the victim and her younger brother were left in the offender’s custody by their mother, who was in a relationship with the man. During one night, the man entered the hut where the victim was sleeping, forcibly undressed her, and raped her. He reportedly threatened to kill her if she disclosed the abuse.
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The assault continued on multiple occasions, particularly when the mother was away. On 3 August 2025, the offender once again raped the girl in his bedroom. The following day, the victim fled and confided in a friend, who assisted her in reporting the matter to the Social Welfare Department.
Following a full trial, the offender was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with three years suspended on the condition of good behaviour—resulting in an effective sentence of 17 years.
Authorities have condemned the crime in the strongest terms. “Rape is a serious crime which leaves lifetime scars on victims, and perpetrators have no place in our society,” read a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority
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