LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A MENTALLY ILL MINOR

23 MAY 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A MENTALLY ILL MINOR

Bothaville, Free State - Papi Mokeretla (42) has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Bothaville Regional Court after the court found him guilty of rape, read with the provisions of sec 51 (1) of the Minimum Sentences Act since the complainant was a minor (15) and mentally disabled. On 22 July 2023, the victim, a minor, went to play at her neighbour’s residence in the township of Kgotsong near Bothaville, where the accused also resided. While at the property, the accused instructed the victim to accompany him under the pretext of purchasing electricity. He directed her to jump over the back fence and wait for him at a specific shop nearby. The victim complied with his instructions. Shortly thereafter, the accused joined her, and they continued walking together.

As they walked, the victim repeatedly questioned the accused about their destination, expressing concern as the route was unfamiliar and did not appear to lead to a location where electricity was typically sold. The accused dismissed her concerns and urged her to keep walking. During their journey, they encountered a police vehicle, at which point the accused instructed the victim to remain calm, warning that any reaction might result in his arrest. He then led her to a secluded area on the outskirts of the township, heavily wooded and isolated, where there was a ditch. Upon arrival, he instructed her to enter the ditch and provided one of his jackets, directing her to lay it on the ground to form a makeshift bed.

He told her to undress herself, but she refused, and he undressed her and pushed her to the ground and proceeded to rape her right there. Thereafter, he told her to dress up and go home. She did not tell anyone at home that evening, but first thing at school the following day, she reported the incident to her friend, who then reported the incident to the principal, and a case was opened. The accused was arrested and charged with rape.

During the trial, the State, led by Regional Court Prosecutor Tshegofatso Lebitsa, only presented the evidence of those 2 children and closed its case. The defence then applied for the discharge of the accused in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, and the application was denied by the court. The defence then closed its case without the accused taking the witness stand.

In aggravation of sentence, the prosecutor argued that the accused should be sentenced to life imprisonment, emphasising his complete lack of remorse and refusal to take the court into his confidence by choosing not to testify or present a defence. The accused exploited a highly vulnerable minor and committed a grave violation, warranting the imposition of the maximum penalty. In sentencing, the court agreed with the state and found the accused guilty and sentenced the accused to life imprisonment. The court also ordered that his name be entered in the National Register of Sex Offenders and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The Prosecuting Authority, as the primary force in combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, will relentlessly pursue the prosecution of offenders and ensure that they receive sentences that reflect the severity of their crimes.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
Email: MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
Contact:073 423 3539