A 51-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of his 10-year-old niece in January 2012. The successful conviction, delivered by the Bloemfontein Regional Court on Friday 13 June 2025 comes after the survivor came forward in 2024.
In August 2024, the now 21-year-old woman disclosed the abuse to a social worker during a counselling session. She reported that the accused, a trusted family member, began sexually abusing her when she was just 10 years old, escalating from digital penetration to rape at a residence in Rocklands, Bloemfontein.
The case was handed to Sergeant Matlale Sello from the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, who investigated thoroughly despite the lack of DNA evidence and the passage of time. Her detailed investigation, combined with the resilience of the survivor and the skilled prosecution by Regional Court Prosecutor Lemohang Mohapi, led to a conviction.
It was revealed during sentencing that the accused was on parole for a prior rape conviction at the time of the offence—an aggravating factor that underscored the court’s decision to impose life imprisonment. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be entered into the National Sexual Offences Register.
Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, Provincial Commissioner of the Police in the Free State, praised the team:
“Your dedication to a case which took place more than a decade ago is a testimony of an investigating officer who takes pride in bringing justice to a victim who was crippled with fear for years. She is now victorious in standing up against Gender-Based Violence—a social ill in our society. This is a groundbreaking sentence that is commendable. Well done.”