NEIGHBOUR SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF A MINOR GIRL AGED 14
10 NOVEMBER 2025
NEIGHBOUR SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF A MINOR GIRL AGED 14
Giyani, Limpopo - The Giyani Regional Court has convicted and sentenced a 38-year-old man from Mbaula for the rape of a 14-year-old girl and an additional six months for assault. The name of the accused is concealed to protect the identity of the victim, as they are neighbours. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment. They further declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000 and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders.
The accused pleaded not guilty, and the court heard that on 01 October 2022 at Mbaula village, the accused met with the victim while she was on her way home. He called her; however, she refused. He then forcefully grabbed her by hand and assaulted her with open hands while dragging her to his friend's house, where he raped her.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Maumela Tumelo Matshehla Jeannete, submitted evidence from the victim’s mother indicating how the incident affected the victim and the entire family, also damaging the trust and relationship between the two families, who are neighbours. The prosecution further submitted that the accused had a previous conviction for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, demonstrating a pattern of violence and disregard for the law. The accused showed no remorse throughout the trial. The state also submitted that the rights of the children must be protected from any kind of violence. Moreover, there were no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence in respect of count one of rape.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence. Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Ivy Thenga, stated that each successful prosecution results from months or even years of diligent investigative and prosecutorial work. She highlighted that these cases are just a few among hundreds successfully prosecuted daily. She also commended the prosecution team and other stakeholders for their role in achieving these results.
Issued by:
Mashudu Malabi
Regional Spokesperson - Limpopo Division
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
074 823 3603