The Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) has opened a rape case following the arrest of a 41-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting his 14-year-old stepdaughter.
The incident came to light on Sunday, 16 November 2025. According to reports, the victim’s mother was outside doing laundry at approximately 15:00 when she called for her daughter, who failed to respond. The mother then went to the girl’s bedroom and found her sobbing.
Initially, the mother believed the teenager was upset over having been reprimanded earlier. However, upon checking on her daughter again in the evening and finding her still in tears, she became concerned.
After sitting down with the victim to ascertain the cause of her distress, the girl disclosed that her stepfather had sexually violated her. The victim further revealed that the man had told her the sexual acts would continue daily.
The victim was promptly taken to a medical facility for an examination. The matter was officially reported to the police on Monday, 17 November 2025, and the case was assigned to the Welkom FCS unit for further investigation.
The 41-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested and is facing a charge of rape. He is scheduled to make his first appearance before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.
The investigation by the Welkom FCS is ongoing.