79-YEAR-OLD MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPING A 6-YEAR-OLD GIRL
29 May 2025
79-YEAR-OLD MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPING A 6-YEAR-OLD GIRL
Pretoria, Gauteng – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court to Johannes Jacobus Christiaan Kotze, a 79-year-old man convicted of raping a 6-year-old girl. Kotze also received five years each for two counts of sexual assault, to run concurrently with the life sentence. The court further ordered that his name be added on the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to work with children and unfit to possess a firearm.
Kotze rented a room at a commune where the 6-year-old girl was staying with her mother. The victim referred to him as “Oupa”, though they were not biologically related. On 03 October 2019 the mother of the child had a feeling that something was wrong with her child and needed to look for her. When she could not find the child where she was supposed to be playing, she went to look for her in Kotze’s room. When she entered Kotze’s room, he immediately pulled his hands away from the child, which brought suspicion to the mother. She then grabbed the child and went to their room where she questioned her. The child then disclosed to her mother that Kotze had raped her by digitally penetrating her, touched her private parts, and forced her to touch him. The child further revealed that, these acts were not isolated incidents. The mother immediately reported the matter to the police, leading to Kotze’s arrest on 24 October 2019.
Kotze pleaded not guilty, denying the rape and alleging the child’s parents fabricated the case due to a dispute over their tenancy at the commune. However, State Prosecutor Hanlie Du Preez presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony and corroborating reports, proving Kotze’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. During sentencing, Kotze sought leniency, citing his age and ill health. Du Preez countered that his lack of remorse, the gruesome nature of the crime, and its lasting trauma on the victim, who continues to suffer nightmares, warranted no deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. She argued that age alone could not excuse such a heinous act.
Regional Court Magistrate Piet Nel agreed with the state, stating that “rape is a scourge in our society, and the absence of remorse aggravates this crime”. Therefore, he found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify leniency, he imposed life imprisonment, reinforcing the judiciary’s firm stance against GBV.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren praised the dedication of Prosecutor Hanlie Du Preez and Investigating Officer Sergeant Maluleke of the Ga-Rankuwa Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. “This sentence sends a clear message: the NPA prioritises GBV cases, especially those targeting vulnerable children, and will pursue justice relentlessly,” she said. The conviction underscores the NPA’s unwavering commitment to protecting society’s most vulnerable and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of age or status.
The NPA urges communities to remain vigilant and report GBV and child abuse promptly. Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) stand ready to provide medical, psychological, and legal support to survivors. This case highlights the critical role of caregivers, like the victim’s mother, in exposing abuse and seeking justice.
Issued by:
Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division: Pretoria
lmahanjana@npa.gov.za
073 002 0000