LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MAN WHO RAPED 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Mmabatho, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a life sentence against 27-year-old Thabang Sethabela following his conviction for the rape of a 14-year-old girl.

The Molopo Regional Court imposed the sentence for an offence committed on 5 March 2022.

The court heard that the victim had visited friends in Magogoe village for a sleepover.

The following morning, while walking home near Letlamoreng Dam, she encountered Sethabela, who forcibly grabbed her and dragged her to a secluded area, where he raped her.

In an attempt to defend herself, the victim grabbed a bottle that was in Sethabela’s possession and stabbed him. Angered by her resistance, Sethabela threatened to kill her and dragged her to another secluded area, where he raped her for a second time.

Sethabela then fled with the victim’s trousers, leaving her partially dressed. The victim hitchhiked home to Montshiwa and reported the incident to her mother, who took her to a clinic. The matter was subsequently reported to the police.

Although the victim did not know her attacker, Sethabela was eventually identified and linked to the offence through DNA evidence.

Approximately a year before the rape, Sethabela had been arrested in Makgobistadt in connection with an unrelated matter, during which a buccal sample was collected from him. That sample was subsequently compared with DNA evidence obtained in the rape case, and forensic analysis established a match. Sethabela was arrested on 20 November 2024.

The state, represented by Advocate Kefentse Diseko, presented the DNA evidence linking Sethabela to the offence and called eight witnesses to establish the chain of custody and integrity of the samples.

The defence challenged the admissibility of the DNA evidence, alleging that the samples had been tampered with and questioning the credibility of the police officials who handled them. 

However, the court found that the contradictions raised by the defence were not material and that the evidence established that the samples had reached the forensic laboratory intact.

The court consequently admitted the DNA evidence, which conclusively linked Sethabela to the victim, and found him guilty of rape.

In aggravation of sentence, the State argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. The court agreed with the State and sentenced Sethabela to life imprisonment.

The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Throughout the prosecution process, the victim received psychosocial support through the NPA’s Thuthuzela Care Centre. She was assisted by Khensani Baloyi, who supported her as she navigated the criminal justice process.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West Division, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence and highlighted the investigative and prosecutorial mechanisms available to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, even when they are initially unknown to their victims.

“This case demonstrates the importance of sustained investigative and prosecutorial efforts, particularly where the identity of the perpetrator is initially unknown. The successful use of DNA evidence played a crucial role in linking the accused to this offence. I commend Advocate Diseko, Khensani Baloyi and the South African Police Service detective for their respective contributions towards ensuring the successful prosecution of this matter and supporting the victim throughout the process,” said Makhari.

The NPA remains committed to prosecuting sexual offences, which constitute serious crimes and violate the dignity and rights of victims. The Authority will continue working with law enforcement agencies and providing appropriate support to victims to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that victims receive justice.

Issued by:

Lindiwe Mabasa

NPA Communications Officer

North West Division

Cell: 062 885 9200