Man Jailed After OR Tambo Arrest for Sexual Grooming of Stepdaughter

A 38-year-old man from the Free State has been sentenced to three years in prison following his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport in November 2023. He had just returned from the United States when police took him into custody over charges of sexually grooming his teenage stepdaughter.

The man, whose identity is being withheld to protect the victim, was found guilty of grooming the 14-year-old over a two-year period between 2021 and 2023. According to authorities, the abuse occurred in the family home and included exposing the girl to pornographic content.

Mother’s Report Sparked Investigation

The case came to light when the girl’s mother reported her suspicions to police last year after noticing troubling changes in her daughter’s behavior. The victim was referred for psychological assessment, and during therapy, she disclosed the abuse.

Bethlehem-based investigating officer Sergeant Frans Mofokeng said this disclosure led to the opening of a criminal case while the suspect was abroad. The man was arrested on November 13, 2023, as he arrived at OR Tambo.

He later pleaded guilty in the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court to charges of sexual grooming and was handed an effective three-year jail sentence.

Growing Concerns Over Sexual Offences in SA

The sentencing comes at a time when South Africa is seeing a concerning rise in sexual offences. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently released the fourth-quarter crime statistics for the 2024/25 financial year, highlighting a national decrease in most crime categories—but with a troubling increase in sexual crimes.

“While we’re seeing welcome drops in many areas, offences like rape and other contact sexual crimes are on the rise,” Mchunu said. “These trends are deeply concerning and require immediate attention.”

Protecting Children Remains a Priority

Child protection advocates and law enforcement officials say the case underscores the importance of early intervention, education, and reporting when abuse is suspected. It also highlights the role of community vigilance in ensuring the safety of children in domestic settings.

As the country continues to confront rising sexual crime trends, this case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers children can face even within their own homes.

{Source: IOL}

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