By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 September 2025- The accused, Thabo Thabang Mongalane (24) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court for rape. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 31 October 2020, when Mongalane and his friends planned an outing to Wentzel Dam in Schweizer Reneke.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said evidence presented in court revealed that the group were all coming from a funeral and decided to meet at the Motor Sports ground in Loelegeng Township, whilst waiting for other friends that gone home to change after the funeral. Gunya said Mongalane was left with the victim (16) in the house, and he then proposed that they both take photos with his phone.
“After taking pictures, he further suggested to the victim that they go and wait for their friends in Phakedi Street next to Motoro Sports ground, and she complied.
“On arrival in the said street, Mongalane entered a certain yard, and the victim followed and stood outside the house. Mongalane invited her inside the house, but she refused to enter,” he said.
Gunya further said he forcefully dragged her, pushed her against the wall, and tried to kiss her by force. He added that Mongalane pushed the victim inside the house, closed the door with the couch that was behind the door.
“The court heard that Mongalane overpowered the victim and raped her. After the rape, he told the victim that she would never leave the place while crying. The victim opened the door, and they left the house.
“On the street, they took different directions. The victim was still crying, and she met her boyfriend, to whom she reported the matter. A police docket was opened, and Mongalane was arrested and later released on bail,” said Gunya.
In court, Mongalane pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, state prosecutor Sephapho told the court that Mongalane planned the incident and that the rape of children is on the rise and perpetrators of this offence must be punished to serve a term of imprisonment. He urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
The court found that there were compelling and substantial circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. This includes the accused’s age, whether he is a first offender and his personal circumstances.
He was sentenced to undergo 15 years imprisonment. The court ordered that Mongalane’s name be included in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the collaborative efforts of the prosecution team, South African Police Service and all stakeholders involved. Makhari emphasised that the outcome serves as a significant deterrent to perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“The NPA reiterates its unwavering commitment to prosecuting crimes of GBV, particularly against women and children,” she said.
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