PASTOR SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A MINOR
26 MAY 2025
PASTOR SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A MINOR
Edenburg, Free-State - The Regional Court sitting in Edenburg, approximately 80 kilometres south of Bloemfontein in the Free State, has convicted Albert Tamasane (47), a local pastor, on two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.
The State’s case arose from a series of incidents that began when the victim, then 11 years old, and her mother moved in with the accused and his wife, who also served as their church pastor. During this time, the victim’s mother passed away, leaving the child orphaned. Following her mother’s death, the victim remained in the care of the accused and his wife, where the abuse subsequently took place.
It was at this time that the accused a Pastor began raping the 11-year-old victim from March 2019 when his wife was working night shifts. These incidents continued until November 2019, when the victim could not take it anymore and eventually informed the wife of the accused as to what was happening. The matter was reported to the police, and the accused was arrested and charged with five counts of rape.
During the trial, Regional Court Prosecutor Leon Ehlers argued that the accused demonstrated no remorse for his actions. He emphasised that, as a self-proclaimed man of God entrusted by the community, the accused was expected to be a protector, particularly of the vulnerable, and not an abuser. The prosecutor highlighted the grave betrayal of trust, especially considering that the victim's mother had placed her faith in the accused to care for her child following her passing. Describing the accused as a danger to society, and urged the court to remove him from the community. The prosecutor further submitted that the only appropriate sentence for someone who abused his position of spiritual leadership to target children was life imprisonment, and that the court should find the accused guilty on all charges.
In sentencing, the court convicted the accused on 2 counts of rape and 1 count of sexual assault and sentenced him to life imprisonment on count one of rape, on two counts of rape: life imprisonment and on count three sexual assault of 5 years imprisonment. The court ordered that the sentence on counts 2 and 3 run concurrently with the sentence on count 1.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains steadfast in its commitment to combating the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in all its forms. Through the diligent work of its prosecutors and close collaboration with law enforcement, the NPA strives to ensure that perpetrators are not only brought to justice but also face the full weight of the law. By securing convictions and advocating for appropriately severe sentences, the NPA plays a critical role in holding offenders accountable, deterring future crimes, and safeguarding vulnerable members of society. Removing such individuals from communities is essential to restoring public trust and upholding the rights and dignity of victims.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
073 423 3539