MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT PLUS 10 YEARS FOR RAPE AND KIDNAPPING OF A MINOR

02 February 2026

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT PLUS 10 YEARS FOR RAPE AND KIDNAPPING OF A MINOR

Zeerust, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment handed down by the Zeerust Regional Court to Pulaetsile Mafora (46) for the rape of a 17-year-old minor. In addition, Mafora was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for kidnapping, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. The court further directed that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 14 August 2024 in Nietverdiend. On the day of the offence, the accused found the complainant at home with her younger brother. He instructed the complainant to accompany him to a nearby bush area and to lock the child inside the house before leaving. The victim was reported missing by her family, prompting a police search. In the early hours of the following morning, members of the South African Police Service, assisted by sniffer dogs, located the accused with the victim in the bush area. He was arrested at the scene and has remained in custody since.

The accused pleaded guilty to both charges. During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Kagiso Modibedi urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence, submitting that the victim was defenceless and that the accused had abused his position and taken advantage of her vulnerability. In its judgment, the court found that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to warrant a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence and accordingly imposed life imprisonment for the rape charge and 10 years’ imprisonment for kidnapping.

Welcoming the outcome, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended Prosecutor Modibedi, the South African Police Service, and all role players involved in securing the conviction. She further emphasised the importance of community cooperation in reporting acts of gender-based violence. The NPA reiterates its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society and to ensuring accountability for perpetrators of serious crimes.

Issued by:

Sivenathi Gunya

Communications Officer

North West Division

National Prosecuting Authority

Email: sgunya@npa.gov.za

Cell: 078 172 9367