RAPIST SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR PLEADING GUILTY TO RAPING A MINOR
22 August 2025
RAPIST SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR PLEADING GUILTY TO RAPING A MINOR
POFADDER, Northern Cape – The Pofadder Regional Court has sentenced Mondre Whitlow (33) to an effective 20 years’ direct imprisonment following his conviction on charges of rape, assault, robbery, and kidnapping of a 14-year-old child. The sentencing was handed down on 20 August 2025 after the State and Defense entered into a plea and sentence agreement in terms of section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.
Whitlow was convicted on five counts; 6 months imprisonment for assault, 3 years imprisonment for robbery, 2 years imprisonment for kidnapping and 25 years imprisonment on each of two counts of rape of which 5 years on each count were suspended for a period of 5 years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period.
The court ordered that all sentences run concurrently, leaving Whitlow to serve an effective 20 years’ imprisonment. In addition, his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, and was declared unfit to work with children. The accused and the complainant were known to each other as the accused was in a relationship with the cousin of the complainant, and both resided in the sleepy rural town of Poffader.
The offences occurred on 01 July 2023, when the accused misled the 14-year-old complainant and subjected her to threats, assault, robbery, kidnapping, and repeated sexual violence. The child bravely disclosed the ordeal to her family the next day, which led to the swift arrest and prosecution of the accused.
During the proceedings, Whitlow admitted that his conduct was wrongful, unlawful, and punishable by law. Regional Court Prosecutor, Basil Kock emphasised that the NPA will continue to act decisively against perpetrators of sexual offences, ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and justice is served.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends the courage of the survivor, the diligent work and the commitment of the prosecution team as well as the police. All cases of sexual violence encroach on the rights to dignity and privacy of the victims as enshrined in our Constitution. The NPA will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
Regional Spokesperson
NPA Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539