By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 October 2025- A man (19), who impregnated a girl (15), was sentenced to five years imprisonment for statutory rape by the Victoria West Regional Court on Wednesday. However, the sentence was wholly suspended for five years.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said in June 2025, a social worker from the Northern Cape Department of Social Development in Victoria West, received a tip-off from a community member regarding a girl in Loxton, who was reportedly pregnant. Shemane said acting on the information, the social worker visited the mother of the victim and confirmed the pregnancy.
“During the investigation, the victim disclosed that she was in a relationship with the accused. The victim’s mother subsequently opened a case against him. The case was assigned to the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
“The accused was arrested and later released on bail. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the charge. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Shemane further said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape remains committed to thoroughly investigating crimes committed against women and children, as these offences affect all sectors of society.
Meanwhile, he added that the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Management commended Detective Constable Bedwell of the Carnarvon FCS Unit for her dedication and commitment in ensuring that justice was served for one of the most vulnerable members of society.
The Guardian 