LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING 11-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF LOVER

01 OCTOBER 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING 11-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF LOVER

Harrismith, Free State – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Free State welcomes the life imprisonment sentence imposed by the Harrismith Regional Court on Modise Ndaba, convicted of raping an 11-year-old girl in 2022. The court heard that Ndaba, in a relationship with the victim’s mother, raped the child when he found her alone at home after returning from a tavern. The mother reported the incident to the police, leading to his arrest.

During the trial, Prosecutor Sami Campher, supported by Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Tsotetsi, proved Ndaba had a prior 2008 rape conviction involving a minor and was on parole when he committed this offence. A Victim Impact Statement, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Ntebo Tsesenyane, further strengthened the case.

In aggravation, the state highlighted Ndaba’s lack of remorse and his pattern of targeting vulnerable children despite parole. The court agreed, underscoring the offence’s severity, the victim’s trauma, and the need to protect society from repeat offenders. Ndaba was sentenced to life imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm. Chief Prosecutor Advocate Joyce Mokoena praised the prosecution and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their dedication to securing justice.

The NPA remains committed to prioritising gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases, especially those involving vulnerable groups, reinforcing the justice system’s resolve to remove sexual predators from society. The NPA aggressively prosecutes such cases to uphold victims’ constitutional rights to dignity and privacy. Ends

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Free State Division

Email: MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za

Tel: 073 423 3539