Man Sentenced to Eleven Life Terms for The Rape of Six Minor Boys
03 April 2025
Man Sentenced to Eleven Life Terms for The Rape of Six Minor Boys
The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha has sentenced Thembelani Andries (31) to eleven life terms for eleven counts of rape committed against six minor boys, aged between 11 and 13-years old. These crimes occurred on 03 May 2015, in the NU 9 bushes near Motherwell, Gqeberha.
On the day in question, the victims were swimming behind NU9 Stadium when they encountered Andries. He lured them into the nearby bushes with the false promise of showing them springboks. Once they were in the bushes, Andries threatened the boys with a stone, forcing them to perform oral sex on him. He then proceeded to sexually assault the victims, including acts of anal penetration. The accused also coerced one of the victims into performing anal penetration on him. Throughout the ordeal, Andries threatened to kill the boys if they reported the assault. The victims, terrified and traumatised, eventually managed to report the attack to one of the victims’ mothers.
In his plea agreement, he confessed to his actions as DNA samples from the crime scene were linked to his own. Andries has previous convictions. After the attack, he moved to Aliwal North, following the death of his father. In July 2024, he was arrested for unrelated charges. During the sentencing phase, State Advocate Ansiot Kimfley argued that an appropriate sentence should reflect the brutality of the crime, the young age of the victims, and the profound impact these crimes had on their lives. The court concurred.
Mr. Barry Madolo, Director of Public Prosecution in the Eastern Cape, welcomed the sentence, describing it as a victory for justice and a significant step in ensuring that individuals who commit such grievous crimes, more particularly against children, are held accountable for their actions.
Issued by:
Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Eastern Cape Division
Tel: 047 501 2630
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za
Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za /0682682474