MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF 13- YEAR-OLD GIRL
23 June 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF 13- YEAR-OLD GIRL
eLukwatini, Mpumalanga – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the eLukwatini Magistrates’ Court to Petros Mkhatshwa (60) for the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Mayflower between April and October 2019. The court also ordered Mkhatshwa’s inclusion on the National Register for Sex Offenders, declared him unfit to possess a firearm, and deemed him unsuitable to work with children. This landmark conviction underscores the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and delivering justice for vulnerable children.
In 2019, the victim, a 13-year-old girl, resided with her grandparents in the same yard as Mkhatshwa in Mayflower. Between April and October, Mkhatshwa repeatedly targeted the victim. On one occasion, he entered her bedroom wielding a sjambok, demanding she become his second wife and bear his children. When she refused, he assaulted her with the sjambok and raped her. The abuse came to light when the victim’s school noticed her absence from classes and dispatched social workers to her home. During their visit, the victim bravely disclosed the rape ordeal, prompting a police investigation that led to Mkhatshwa’s arrest.
Mkhatshwa pleaded not guilty, claiming the victim seduced him. State Prosecutor Matladi Malapane presented a compelling case, supported by the victim’s credible testimony, a social worker’s report, and a J88 medical report confirming penetration. A Victim Impact Statement, compiled with Court Preparation Officer Nondumiso Thwala, detailed the victim’s severe psychological trauma and ongoing fear since the assaults. The court found the state’s witnesses reliable, rejecting Mkhatshwa’s defense as baseless and affirming the gravity of his actions.
In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Malapane argued that Mkhatshwa exploited his authority as a neighbor and elder, betraying the victim’s trust and violating her safety in her own home. Malapane emphasized the need for a strong message to the community that GBV will not be tolerated, urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997. The presiding magistrate agreed, stating, “The accused’s actions were a heinous violation of a child’s dignity, eroding the fabric of our society.” Finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate, the court sentenced Mkhatshwa to life imprisonment, adding protective orders to ensure public safety.
The NPA commends the courage of the 13-year-old victim, whose disclosure, facilitated by vigilant school officials and social workers, ensured justice prevailed. Mpumalanga Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Sonja Ntuli praised Prosecutor Matladi Malapane and Court Preparation Officer Nondumiso Thwala for their diligent work, stating, “This conviction sends a resolute message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue perpetrators of GBV, holding them accountable to restore trust in our communities.” The NPA’s partnership with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided critical psychosocial support to the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach.
The NPA urges communities, schools, and families to remain vigilant in protecting children, reporting abuse promptly, and supporting survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. This case highlights the pivotal role of educators and social workers in identifying signs of distress and empowering victims to speak out. The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children can thrive without fear, and ensuring justice upholds the dignity and rights enshrined in our Constitution.
Issued by:
Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson
DPP Mpumalanga
mnyuswa@npa.gov.za
013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446