MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A MINOR
17 September 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A MINOR
Koster, North West- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Koster Regional Court to Alfred Ntante Bendile (45) for the rape of a 9-year-old child on 19 May 2019. The court also declared Alfred unfit to work with children and ordered his inclusion on the National Register for Sex Offenders, reinforcing the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and protecting vulnerable children. Sentencing was delivered on 16 September 2025.
On 19 May 2019, Bendile was at the football grounds at Reagile location in Koster watching a local football match with the father of the 9-year-old victim, the victim and other community members. During the game, the accused asked the victim to fetch money at his place of residence and informed her not to tell her parents. She complied and departed with her two friends to carry out Bendile’s instructions. He followed them to his place. Upon arrival at the said location, the victim, with her friends, struggled to open the door, and he pounced on them and instructed her friends to go away. He forced the victim to go to his bedroom, where he tied her legs and arms to the bed. He stuffed her mouth with a piece of cloth and raped her. The friends of the victim raised an alarm by telling her parents about her whereabouts. The victim’s father knocked at the door, and the accused instructed her to hide inside the wardrobe. He opened the door, and the victim sprang out of the wardrobe half-naked. Police were called, he was arrested, and bail was denied.
In court, Bendile pleaded guilty to the charge. In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Sangweni Zimema highlighted that the accused did not show remorse and took advantage of an innocent child. He emphasised the prevalence of the offence and that the court should not deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. Delivering judgment, Magistrate Paul Moeng said the offence was carefully planned and that the victim sustained serious injuries. The accused was known to the family; the victim trusted him as her father.
Finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate, the court sentenced Bendile to life imprisonment, declaring him unfit to work with children. Welcoming the verdict, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Prosecutor Zimema and all the relevant stakeholders who played a crucial role in finalising the matter. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to prosecuting gender-based violence (GBV) crimes, particularly against women and children.
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer
North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
Cell: 078 172 9367