PAROLEE SENTENCED TO ONE LIFE TERM AND 49 YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT

21 OCTOBER 2025

PAROLEE SENTENCED TO ONE LIFE TERM AND 49 YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT

Pretoria, Gauteng – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the combined sentence of one life term plus 49 years’ direct imprisonment handed down by the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court to Prayer Kgatle (30). The sentencing was delivered today, 21 October 2025. Kgatle received life imprisonment for raping an 11-year-old girl, 15 years for housebreaking with intent to rape, 12 years for housebreaking, 12 years for robbery, and 10 years for sexual assault.

The court ordered his name added to the National Register for Sex Offenders, declaring him unfit to work with children or possess a firearm. On 18 October 2023, Kgatle entered an apartment complex in Annlin during the day. He stole a bag through an open bedroom window, then entered another apartment with a faulty door, where he sexually assaulted and raped a 12-year-old girl inside. The girl distracted him, escaped to a neighboring apartment screaming for help, and asked a woman to call her mother. Realizing she had fled, Kgatle attempted to leave but was chased, apprehended by a man who did not recognize him as a resident, and handed to the police.

In court, Kgatle pleaded guilty to theft, claiming he stole the bag for its clothes, but denied the other charges, alleging the child was coached to claim rape. State Prosecutor Hanlie Du Preez presented compelling evidence, including testimonies from two complainants, corroborating reports, and the 11-year-old’s account via an intermediary, proving his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Kgatle’s legal representative sought leniency, citing his difficult upbringing and limited education. Still, Du Preez argued his serious, prevalent offenses, lack of remorse despite the guilty plea, and prior convictions for housebreaking, theft, and robbery marked him as a seasoned criminal. She emphasized the trauma inflicted on the minor, urging a life sentence. Magistrate Piet Nel agreed, noting Kgatle’s lack of remorse, the horrific nature of the crimes, and the severe trauma to the child. Finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate, he imposed the prescribed minimum sentences.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren, commended Du Preez, stating, “These cases provide justice and remove violent criminals from our streets.” The NPA urges all South Africans to unite against gender-based violence, ensuring a safe environment where children’s rights to dignity and safety are protected, and perpetrators face the full force of the law.

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria

Email: lmahanjana@npa.gov.za

Tel: 073 002 0000