Police investigate following death of man accused of raping stepdaughter
The police in Leslie are investigating an inquest case following the death of a 45-year-old man who was accused of raping his stepdaughter.
The victim, now 25, alleged that the sexual abuse began in 2017 when she was 17 years old.
She disclosed the incidents to her biological mother in 2024. Deeply disturbed by the revelations, the mother decided to separate from the suspect but did not report the matter to authorities at the time.
“The situation escalated in 2025, when the suspect allegedly began harassing both the mother and the daughter at their residence,” said SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane. “This prompted them to report the matter to the police, and a case of rape was officially opened.”
Before the arrest could be executed, the suspect allegedly informed a relative on Thursday, June 12, that he had ingested poison because of the rape case opened against him. Emergency services and police responded, but the man was declared dead at the scene.
Police have opened an inquest docket and are continuing with investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding his death.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the alleged abuse and praised the victim’s bravery.
“We commend the victim for her courage in coming forward. Sexual abuse has no place in our society. We urge anyone who is a victim or witness to such crimes to seek help and report the matter without delay,” said the General.
IOL News