By OBAKENG MAJE
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Rustenburg Regional Court for raping a girl (12). Pusoetsile Seabaneng (23) and his father were tenants at the home of the complainant, who was staying with her grandmother at the time.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the incident took place at Photsaneng village, near Rustenburg in 2016.
“The evidence led in court indicates that, the victim’s grandmother left Seabaneng watching TV with the complainant, as he was a trusted individual, because of their over 10-year stay renting at their home. He then moved closer to the victim, who was covering herself with a blanket.
“Seabaneng subsequently undressed her without her consent, while she was resisting, and proceeded to rape her. Following this incident, he left the house and proceeded to his rented outside room, leaving the child unattended,” Mamothame said.
He further said, the victim then reported the matter to her aunt the following day. Mamothame added that Seabaneng was arrested and charged with rape, but pleaded not guilty to the offense.
In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Aubrey Mataboge urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. Mataboge argued that Seabaneng manipulated the trust that the child had in him.
He said rape is a pandemic that the court has to act firmly against. Magistrate Marion Wessel agreed with the state as she imposed life imprisonment on Seabaneng.
Seabaneng was also declared unfit to work with children and his name will be listed in the national sex offender’s register.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the collaboration of the prosecutor, investigating officer, and the Thuthuzela Care Center for the conviction. She called on an intensified advocacy against the scourge of rape and gender-based violence and femicide.
The Guardian 