DUO SENTENCED TO LIFE TERM FOR RAPE OF MINOR NEIGHBOUR 

05 February 2026 

DUO SENTENCED TO LIFE TERM FOR RAPE OF MINOR NEIGHBOUR 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentences imposed by the Gqeberha Regional Court against two men convicted of the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Gelvandale on 25 March 2023. The accused, aged 25 and 26 respectively, cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim. The complainant only reported the rape to her mother in October 2023, after realising that she was pregnant. This disclosure led to the arrest of the accused. 

The court heard that the accused, who were neighbours of the complainant, lured her to a shack under false pretences. She was threatened with harm should she disclose the incident. Following the disclosure, the complainant and her family faced intimidation by the accused and their relatives, forcing them to leave their home for their safety. During the trial, the complainant and her mother testified. DNA evidence linked one of the accused to the offence. Both accused claimed that the sexual encounter was consensual, but the court rejected this version, finding it false and improbable. 

A victim impact statement presented to the court highlighted the profound emotional, psychological and social effects of the rape on the complainant. She fell pregnant as a result of the offence, and her mother currently cares for the child. The complainant reported that the trauma significantly disrupted her education and future aspirations of becoming a doctor. 

Despite not having personally committed the sexual act, the second accused was also sentenced to life imprisonment. The court found that he acted in common purpose with the primary perpetrator, rendering him equally culpable. 

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, said: "This sentence underscores the seriousness with which our courts view sexual offences against children. It sends a clear message that all those who participate in such crimes, whether directly or indirectly, will be held fully accountable. I further commend State Advocate Kenny Van Biljon, the Community Prosecution Officer, Pakama Ngona, and the staff at the Gqeberha Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts in supporting the complainant and securing justice in this matter." 

Issued by: 

Luxolo Tyali 

NPA Regional Spokesperson 

Eastern Cape Division 

Tel: 0475012630 

Cell: 0735559292 

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za