Elderly Man Sentenced to 20 Years Imprisonment for the Rape of a Minor Boy
07 APRIL 2025
Elderly Man Sentenced to 20 Years Imprisonment for the Rape of a Minor Boy
Upington, Northern Cape – John Bendlela, (53) also known as “Mahosh”, has been found guilty of the raping of a 12-year-old boy by the Upington Regional Court. The 53-year-old accused was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, with 3 years suspended for 5 years, by the court. The incident occurred on 25 December 2015, when the victim encountered the accused in the street. The victim, who knew the accused from the neighbourhood, asked him about a R50 payment he had been promised for assisting with errands in the past. The accused lured the child by promising to get change to pay him and took him along to a nearby tavern, which was closed. Instead of allowing the boy to go home, the accused forcibly dragged him to his residence.
Once at the house, the accused offered the boy food and then instructed him to remove his clothes under the pretext of cultural beliefs. When the child resisted, the accused threatened to kill him and throw his body in a nearby ditch. He then raped the child and instructed him to wipe himself. The child, however, left the evidence intact, intending to report the matter to his mother. The following morning, the accused gave the child R50 and warned him not to speak out. The victim immediately informed his mother, who reported the matter to the police. The child was taken to the hospital for medical examination, and forensic evidence was collected, including his underwear. DNA tests confirmed the presence of the accused’s semen, linking him directly to the offence.
Throughout the trial, the complainant was assisted and prepared by NPA Court Preparation Officer Mrs Anna Isaacs. He also submitted a Victim Impact Statement, in which he detailed the emotional trauma he endured, including teasing and bullying by peers, which ultimately forced him to relocate to live with his father. The court found the accused guilty and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). Regional Court Prosecutor Friedle du Plessis commended the victim for his bravery and quick thinking, which preserved crucial DNA evidence. The prosecutor also noted the importance of the child’s immediate report to his mother, which enabled swift police action and a thorough investigation.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) lauds the collaborative efforts of the prosecutorial team and investigators, who worked with professionalism and commitment in pursuing justice. The NPA reaffirms its resolve to protect children and all vulnerable persons by ensuring that perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice. These cases provide some justice and closure to the victims and their families and remove violent criminals from our streets.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
Email: MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
Contact: 073 423 3539