MOTHER AND HER LOVER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING HER CHILDREN

Bloemfontein, Free State – The Bloemfontein Sexual Offences Court delivered judgment in a case involving the prolonged sexual abuse of three minor children. The court convicted and sentenced two accused persons, Vumani Rethabile Tshabalala (36) and a 33-year-old mother of the children (the accused cannot be named to protect the victims), on multiple charges of rape, sexual exploitation, and assault.

During the trial, the court found that the offences occurred over a period of five years, beginning in 2015. The victims were the 33-year-old woman’s two daughters, aged 11 and 14 at the time, and her niece, aged 10. The accused, who were in a romantic relationship, repeatedly raped and sexually exploited the children. The mother of the children and accused 2 in this matter facilitated the abuse by sending the victims to Tshabalala, ignoring their disclosures, and coercing them through threats and physical assault.

In one incident, Tshabalala raped a 10-year-old victim in the presence of her mother, after which he continued sexual intercourse with the mother while the child remained in the room. Victims were sometimes offered money or told to engage in sexual acts in exchange for necessities. In bolstering its case, the state also presented Victim Impact Statements that were prepared by Maggie Faas, highlighting the profound trauma and long-term harm suffered by the children.

In aggravation of sentence, the prosecution led by Prosecutor Joseph Cwele argued that the court should sentence both the accused to life imprisonment for their crimes. Both failed to protect the children. That there was no better sentence than life sentences for both the accused. The children suffered traumas that will be with them for the rest of their lives.

The court found both the accused guilty and sentenced as follows: Tshabalala was sentenced to Life imprisonment for each of the three counts of rape. The mother of the children was sentenced to Life imprisonment for each of the three counts of rape, 15 years for each of the three counts of sexual exploitation, and 3 years for one count of assault.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which continues to pose a serious threat to the safety, dignity, and constitutional rights of women and children in South Africa. Through dedicated prosecutors, specialised Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) units, and victim-centred prosecution strategies, the NPA works tirelessly to ensure that survivors receive justice and that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

The NPA works closely with law enforcement agencies, particularly the South African Police Service, social workers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders within the criminal justice system to strengthen investigations and prosecutions. This collaborative approach ensures that cases are thoroughly prepared and presented before the courts, resulting in successful convictions and appropriate sentences that reflect the seriousness of these offences. Such partnerships are critical in ensuring that offenders are removed from society and that communities are protected from further harm.

The protection of children remains a priority for the NPA. Crimes committed against children are among the most heinous offences prosecuted by the Authority, and every effort is made to ensure that young victims are treated with care, sensitivity, and respect throughout the criminal justice process. The NPA will continue to advocate for the rights of children, pursue justice without fear or favour, and work alongside law enforcement to ensure that those who prey on the most vulnerable members of society face the full might of the law.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Free State Division