NPA WELCOMES LIFE IMPRISONMENT SENTENCE FOR MAN CONVICTED OF RAPING HIS MOTHER

Bothaville, Free State – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Bothaville Regional Court to a 23-year-old man convicted of raping his biological mother. The identity of the accused is being withheld to protect the identity and dignity of the victim. The accused was convicted on one count of rape in contravention of Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. He was sentenced to life imprisonment following a successful prosecution by Regional Court Prosecutor Tshegofatso Lebitsa.

According to evidence presented in court, on 21 December 2024, the 46-year-old complainant returned home with her boyfriend and found the accused smoking dagga at the residence. Later that evening, while the couple was walking near an informal settlement, the accused approached them armed with a knife. He threatened the complainant’s boyfriend, who fled the scene.

The accused then grabbed the complainant, covered her mouth, held a knife to her neck, and forcibly dragged her to a nearby tuckshop. He ordered her to undress, pushed her to the ground when she resisted, and raped her. After the incident, he escorted her back home.

Traumatised and physically weakened, the complainant initially struggled to report the matter. She eventually reported the rape with the assistance of community patrol members who visited her residence. The accused was arrested shortly afterwards and remained in custody throughout the trial.

During cross-examination, the accused admitted to raping his mother. The court also accepted medical evidence contained in the J88 report compiled at the Thuthuzela Care Centre.

In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Tshegofatso Lebitsa strongly argued for life imprisonment, describing the offence as a grave betrayal by a son against the mother who raised him. She emphasised the profound violation of trust, dignity, and bodily integrity.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), particularly sexual offences committed against vulnerable persons. Sentences of this magnitude send a clear message that sexual violence will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will face the full force of the law. The NPA also acknowledges the vital role played by Thuthuzela Care Centres in providing comprehensive, victim-centred support to survivors of sexual offences.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Free State Division