SCHOLAR TRANSPORT DRIVER SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPING LEARNER

10 JUNE 2025

SCHOLAR TRANSPORT DRIVER SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPING LEARNER

The Protea Magistrates’ Court sentenced a scholar transport driver, Retshidisitsoe Moletsane (39) to life imprisonment for raping a 16 year old learner. He was charged with rape and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court further ordered that the accused be registered in the National Register for Sexual Offences. He was also declared unsuitable to work with children. The incidents took place in the month of November 2020. On the day of the incident, the victim finished writing her exam and went to wait for the other children in the taxi, as she had finished writing her exam earlier. The driver then followed her and undressed her, undressed himself and forcefully had sexual intercourse with the victim. He threatened that if she didn’t corporate, he will call other drivers to come and also rape her.

On another occasion, the same month, the accused took the victim from school and instead of dropping her off at home, he went to his friend’s place, and upon arrival inside the taxi, he forcefully had sexual intercourse with the victim. The victim thereafter requested to use the bathroom, the accused then followed her to the bathroom and raped her again. After a few months, the mother of the victim noticed some changes in the child’s behaviour, and the victim also attempted suicide several times. At some stage, she even collapsed at school, and eventually she related the incident to her mother.

Regional Court Prosecutor Mmakgadi Mangena argued that the accused demonstrated no remorse for his actions. The prosecutor highlighted a grave betrayal of trust, especially considering that the victim’s mother trusted the accused to transport the victim to and from school, but he took advantage of her. She further argued that the only appropriate sentence for someone who abused his position is life imprisonment.

The NPA continues with its commitment to support survivors of sexual violence and advocating for a society where every child is safe, protected, and heard. We hope that this sentence brings a measure of justice and will be a step towards healing. We applaud Ms. Mangena and Investigating Officer, Sergeant Kunene, for playing a crucial role in upholding the rights and safety of the most vulnerable.

Issued by:

Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson – Gauteng Division: Johannesburg
Tel: 083 402 4787 / 011 220 4245
Email: hmjonondwane@npa.gov.za