By BAKANG MOKOTO
18 August 2025- Two men who kidnapped and raped a girl (13) in Ottosdal, were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Atamelang Regional Court. In 2017, a girl was accosted by the accused, Mohau Jan Mogale (30) and Thabo Isaac Molusi (29), whilst on her way home.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the investigation revealed that Mogale grabbed her by her hand whilst Molusi threatened her with an empty beer crate that was in his possession, ordering her to accompany them forcefully. Gunya said the young girl was taken to a house in Iraq Section in Ottosdal and was locked inside the bedroom.
“Further investigations revealed that both men had left the house. After some time, Molusi returned alone and unlocked the bedroom, where the child was locked in. He then ordered the victim to take off her clothes and she refused.
“Molusi then forcefully undressed the victim and raped her throughout the night. The next day, Molusi left her in the room and she then managed to go home. On her way home, she met her uncle and her sister, as they had been searching for her, and they took her home, where she reported the ordeal to her mother,” he said.
Gunya further said a case was opened and both men were identified and arrested. He added that in court, both men pleaded not guilty, but were convicted based on overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.
“Mogale was convicted of kidnapping and Molusi of rape and kidnapping. In aggravation of sentence, advocate Edward Manicus emphasised the high prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the vulnerability of women and children in South Africa.
“He further presented two Victim Impact Statements from the victim and her mother, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Thembinkosi Madiba, detailing the profound physical and psychological trauma they suffered,” said Gunya.
He said Manicus urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment to protect society, especially vulnerable members like children.
In delivering judgment, Magistrate Stephan Du Toit emphasised the humiliating and degrading effects of rape upon the victims and the need for the courts to protect the victims.
“Mogale was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for kidnapping. Molusi received life imprisonment for rape and an additional eight years for kidnapping.
“The court ordered that Molusi’s name be included in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” said du Toit.
Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West welcomed the sentences and commended the dedication of Manicus and other stakeholders involved in securing this conviction.
“This sentence serves as a crucial deterrent against perpetrators of gender-based violence in our country. We must continue to ensure justice for victims and take a firm stance against such heinous acts,” she said.
The Guardian 