FREE STATE MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE RAPE OF A 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL
01 August 2025
FREE STATE MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR THE RAPE OF A 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL
Botshabelo – Free State, The Botshabelo Regional Court has sentenced a 38-year-old man to life imprisonment, for the rape of a 12-year-old girl, following his conviction for this heinous crime.
On 29 October 2023, the accused, who was in a domestic relationship with the victim’s mother, lured the child under the pretext of going to the store. While on route, he dragged her into a nearby veld, strangled, and raped her. A passerby, alerted by the sound of the girl crying, rushed to the scene, at which point the accused fled. The matter was reported to the police, leading to the swift arrest and prosecution of the accused.
Despite pleading not guilty, the court found him guilty based on the overwhelming evidence presented during the trial. During sentencing, the accused requested a lesser sentence than the prescribed life imprisonment. However, State Prosecutor Malefetsane Mokoena strongly argued for the imposition of the life sentence, citing the brutality of the offence, the vulnerability of the victim, the accused’s lack of remorse, and the clear threat he poses to society.
Magistrate Motshidisi Khuduga, agreed with the State, stressing the seriousness of the crime and the importance of protecting children from such predators. In delivering judgment, the court emphasised that the rape of a minor is a grave offence deserving of the harshest penalty. The accused was accordingly sentenced to life imprisonment. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends the work of the prosecution teams and investigating officers in securing this conviction and upholding the rights of the victim.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains unwavering in its commitment to the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). We will continue to pursue justice without fear, favour, or prejudice and ensure that those who violate the rights and dignity of women and children are held fully accountable. The abuse of the most vulnerable in our society will never be tolerated.
The NPA remains resolute, focused, and relentless in its mission to dismantle the scourge of GBVF that continues to traumatise our communities. Every case prosecuted is a step toward justice, protection, and restoring the dignity of victims. This sentence sends a clear and uncompromising message that perpetrators of GBVF will face the full might of the law. All cases of sexual violence encroach on the rights to dignity and privacy of the victims as enshrined in our constitution, hence the NPA aggressively prosecutes these cases.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
073 423 3539