MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF A MINOR

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life sentence imposed by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Romeo Sello Mohale (22), from Hercules, for raping a 16-year-old girl. Mohale was also sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment for kidnapping, which will run concurrently with the life sentence.

On the evening of 1 August 2021, the victim was walking to a toilet in an informal settlement in Bougainhout when Mohale approached her and demanded sexual intercourse. When she refused, he dragged her into a veld, undressed and raped her before releasing her. While returning home, the child encountered a friend and disclosed the rape. She spent the night at the friend’s home and informed her parents the following morning. They accompanied her to report the matter to the police. Mohale was arrested at his residence that same day.

Mohale pleaded not guilty, claiming that he was in a relationship with the victim. However, State Prosecutor Advocate Corrine Sam presented evidence, including the victim’s testimony, that proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

During sentencing proceedings, the defence asked the court to depart from the prescribed minimum sentence, citing Mohale’s status as a first-time offender, his youth at the time of the offence and a contention that the offence was not serious. Adv Sam rejected this characterisation, emphasising the seriousness of rape, its prevalence within the court’s jurisdiction and Mohale’s lack of remorse. She argued that he had targeted a child who was simply walking to a toilet and violated her dignity and freedom. She further submitted that Mohale was an adult when he committed the offences and understood his actions. Adv Sam also read into the record Victim Impact Statements (VIS) facilitated by Court Preparation Officer (CPO) Chadd Wentzel, where the victim expressed how the incident negatively affected her family, as they were victimised and threatened by the community, which led them to move to a different area. She further added that after the incident she dropped out of school, that she lost trust in people and requested the court to sentence Mohale accordingly.

The Magistrate accepted the State’s submissions, finding that Mohale had shown no remorse and had failed to take responsibility for his actions. The court emphasised the devastating nature of rape and the need for sentences that reflect its seriousness and deter offenders. It found no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

This case demonstrates how sexual violence can disrupt a child’s education, displace a family, and cause lasting trauma. Threatening or victimising survivors compounds that harm. Survivors must be supported and protected when they report abuse and seek justice.

The NPA remains committed to prosecuting gender-based violence, holding perpetrators accountable and placing victims and survivors at the centre of its work.

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria