MAMELODI MAN SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS FOR RAPING NIECES PRETORIA

11 DECEMBER 2025 

MAMELODI MAN SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS FOR RAPING NIECES PRETORIA

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence handed down by the Pretoria High Court against a 47-year-old man from Mamelodi, who was sentenced to three life terms and an additional 22 years of imprisonment for sexually violating his three nieces. The man was convicted on three counts of rape involving victims aged 9, 6, and 6, respectively. Additionally, he was sentenced to 16 years of direct imprisonment for two counts of sexual assault and 6 years for a further count of sexual assault. The court ordered that the additional sentences run concurrently with the life sentences. The judge further ordered that the man’s name be entered into the National Register of Sex Offenders. 

Between the years 2016 and 2019 Mr X would visit the victims’ place of residence in Mamelodi and Nellamphius where the victims stayed with their uncle and two older siblings. While Mr X was visiting, at night when everyone was asleep, he would go to the victim’s bedroom to touch each victim on their private parts. On different occasions he would take each victim to the living room, proceed to rape them, take them back to the bedroom and give them money in exchange for their silence. On 19 August 2022 after an educational school outreach program about sexual offences was conducted by Vhathu Vhote NGO at the victims’ school, all three victims went to the school principal, requesting to communicate with the facilitator of the outreach program. Three days later the facilitator of the program spoke to the victims, and all three victims told her what had happened, and the matter was reported to the police. After investigations by the police, Mr X was arrested at his place of residence on 24 August 2022 and has been in custody since the NPA successfully opposed his release on bail. All victims were taken to Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), where they received medical care, psychological and legal assistance from the police and prosecutors. During the trial, Mr X pleaded not guilty, alleging that the victims had fabricated the charges due to a family dispute involving their mother. State Prosecutor Advocate Michael Shivuri dismantled this defence, presenting compelling evidence that proved guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

During sentencing, Mr X, through his legal representative, asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentences, arguing that he is a first-time offender, self-employed, and had already spent over three years in custody. Advocate Shivuri argued against any leniency, emphasising the seriousness and prevalence of these crimes. He highlighted the man’s lack of remorse and the betrayal of trust, noting that the victims looked up to him as a protector. "The man was in a position of trust which he violated; therefore, the children have lost trust in him and other men in society," Shivuri submitted. The State also submitted Victim Impact Statements (VIS), facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Mmatlala Makwela, in which the victims detailed the devastation caused by the abuse, including academic struggles and severe self-esteem issues. 

In handing down the sentence, Judge Joseph Raulinga concurred with the State. He noted that while Mr X had the right to plead not guilty, his continued denial showed a distinct lack of remorse. Judge Raulinga condemned Mr X for exploiting the children’s poverty by bribing them with money. "Mr X was very cruel. He could have sought consensual relationships with older women rather than preying on vulnerable children," Judge Raulinga stated. The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences. 

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren, praised the work of Advocate Shivuri and the Investigating Officer Sergeant Emelda Magagane stationed at Mamelodi Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences unit.” Such sentences provide a measure of justice and closure to the victims and their families while removing violent criminals from our streets," said Van Vuuren. 

The NPA reaffirms its commitment to combating gender-based violence and hopes this sentence sends a clear message that crimes against women and children will be met with the full might of the law. 

Issued by: 

Lumka Mahanjana 

NPA Regional Spokesperson 

Gauteng Division: Pretoria