REGIONAL COURT CONVICTS AND SENTENCES MAN FOR RAPE AND POINTING OF A FIREARM

12 September 2025

REGIONAL COURT CONVICTS AND SENTENCES MAN FOR RAPE AND POINTING OF A FIREARM

Mothibistad, Northern Cape – The Kuruman Regional Court, sitting in Mothibistad, has sentenced Mpho Gift Mtshali (28) from Khuma, Stilfontein, Klerksdorp, North West, to 18 years’ imprisonment for rape and 5 years for pointing an object resembling a firearm. The sentencing was delivered today, 12 September 2025, following his conviction on both charges. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Mtshali visited a 16-year-old girl’s home under the pretence of delivering her then-boyfriend’s phone accessories. He professed his love, which she rejected, before allegedly producing an object resembling a firearm, forcing her to undress, and raping her.

The victim, frightened, reported the incident to her mother that evening and later, with her boyfriend, reported it to the police. DNA evidence linked Mtshali to the crime, though he claimed it resulted from consensual activity, a claim the court dismissed as unreliable, noting inconsistencies in his and his witnesses’ testimonies. Regional Court Prosecutor Kekeletso Lekota argued for the maximum sentence, emphasising Mtshali’s lack of remorse and his misleading statements about the encounter.

The court sentenced him to 18 years for rape and 5 years for pointing the object, with the sentences to run concurrently, effectively 18 years’ imprisonment. Additionally, his name was ordered entered into the Register of Sex Offenders, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm, added to the National Register for Sex Offenders, and prohibited from working with children.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains steadfast in combating gender-based violence, utilising all resources to bring perpetrators to justice, protect victims, and safeguard society from those targeting the vulnerable. The NPA sends a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated, ensuring justice and closure for victims while removing violent offenders from the streets. Ends

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Northern Cape Division

Email: MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za

Tel: 073 423 3539