KIMBERLEY – In a shocking case of child abuse, the Galeshewe Regional Court has sentenced a 30-year-old stepfather to 10 years imprisonment for the brutal and repeated whipping of his two-year-old toddler with an electric cord.
The distressing incident unfolded on Sunday, 22 May 2022, when Galeshewe SAPS received a complaint regarding a stepfather who subjected his two-year-old child to horrific abuse. The toddler had been physically assaulted, enduring sustained strikes and lashings with an electric cord, resulting in serious injuries all over the child’s body.
The severity of the situation prompted immediate action, with the victim rushed to a medical professional for examination. The subsequent medical report confirmed the extent of the injuries sustained by the toddler, leading to the prompt arrest of the accused.
The Galeshewe Regional Court convicted and sentenced the 30-year-old stepfather to 10 years imprisonment on Wednesday, 7 February 2024.
Detective Sergeant Oageng Moilwa of Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit played a crucial role in ensuring a thorough investigation that ultimately led to the conviction. Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the detective for his dedication and meticulous work in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding the well-being of children and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. It underscores the commitment of law enforcement and the justice system to address Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and protect the most vulnerable members of society.