FORMER POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES

13 November 2025

FORMER POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES

The High Court of South Africa - Middelburg High Court has sentenced a female former police officer, previously stationed at Groblersdal Police Station, to (14) years’ imprisonment for the sexual assault of her minor son in 2020. The accused was convicted on three counts namely Sexual Assault, Production of child pornography and Possession of child pornography. The accused’s name is withheld to protect the identity and dignity of the minor victim.

On count 1 (Sexual Assault), the accused was sentenced to ten (10) years’ imprisonment, two (2) years of which are wholly suspended for five five years, on condition that she is not convicted of sexual assault during the suspension period.

On count 2 (Production of Child Pornography), (2) years’ imprisonment. Count 3 (Possession of Child Pornography), two (2) years imprisonment. The court ordered that the sentence for possession of child pornography run concurrently with that of sexual assault, resulting in an effective sentence of eight (8) years’ direct imprisonment. Additionally, the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

They heard that a 42-year-old accused reportedly experienced personal problems and sought assistance from a traditional healer. The healer instructed her to bathe her 12-year-old son with traditional medicine and to simulate sexual intercourse with him, allegedly as part of a ritual to remove evil spirits. The healer further directed her to record the act on her cellphone and send him the video. Following the incident, the traditional healer extorted money from the accused, threatening to release the video.

In 2023, the accused was informed that a criminal case had been opened after the video surfaced on social media. In court, the accused pleaded guilty and entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the State in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. She claimed that she did not actually engage in intercourse with the victim, but that they simulated the act as instructed by the healer.

In mitigation, the court considered that the accused pleaded guilty and cooperated with the police, she voluntarily handed herself over and made a full confession and had been in custody for two years awaiting trial. The court also noted her prospects of rehabilitation. In aggravation of sentence, the State emphasised the seriousness and prevalence of such offences and underscored the betrayal of trust between a mother and her child. The prosecution stressed the importance of protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains steadfast in its commitment to combating domestic and sexual violence, particularly cases involving vulnerable victims, and will continue to pursue justice with diligence and compassion. Ends.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga

0130450625/ 0764855446

mnyuswa@npa.gov.za