MINOR SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE OF 8-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Mmabatho, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured the conviction and sentencing of Rebaone Mongale (19) for the attempted rape of an eight-year-old girl. The accused was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.

The matter relates to an incident that occurred on 13 August 2022 in Phola Village. At the time of the offence, the accused was 15 years old, while the complainant was eight years old.

The court heard that Mongale accosted the complainant while she was on her way home and forcibly took her to a shack. He attempted to rape the child but was unable to penetrate her before leaving her inside the structure.

The complainant was later discovered by the accused’s mother, who alerted neighbours. One of the neighbours recognised the child and contacted her guardian. When questioned about the incident, the complainant disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by the accused.

During the trial, the State, represented by Advocate Kefentse Diseko, presented evidence demonstrating the accused’s unlawful conduct. The complainant’s testimony established that the accused had attempted to rape her but was unsuccessful in completing the act. The court accepted the evidence and convicted Mongale of attempted rape.

In sentencing proceedings, the State argued that the provisions of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 permit imprisonment in appropriate circumstances where a child is convicted of a Schedule 3 offence and that serious sexual offences against children warrant a firm response from the courts.

While recognising the gravity of the offence and its impact on the young victim, the court took into account the accused’s age at the time of the offence and the principle that imprisonment should be used as a measure of last resort for children in conflict with the law. The court subsequently imposed a sentence of five years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.

As an additional order, the court directed the accused to apologise to the victim in person.

Welcoming the outcome, North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, said the sentence demonstrates that children who commit serious offences must be held accountable for their actions, while the justice system also seeks to promote rehabilitation where appropriate.

The NPA remains committed to prosecuting sexual offences, protecting vulnerable victims, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. The successful prosecution reflects the NPA’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of children and other victims of crime.

ENDS

Issued by:

Lindiwe Mabasa

NPA Communications Officer

North West Division