By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 September 2026 – A man (46) was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Botshabelo Regional Court for rape. This comes after he raped his stepdaughter (15) in Botshabelo, Free State.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the Free State, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused cannot be identified in order to protect the dignity, privacy and identity of the victim, who was a minor when the offence was committed. Senokoatsane said he is the father to the victim’s older sister.
“The Botshabelo Regional Court heard that on the night of 14 November 2024, the accused arrived at the victim’s home and asked for a blanket. After the victim opened the window and showed him where the blanket was kept, he entered the house instead.
“He later entered the victim’s bedroom and raped her before warning her not to tell her older sister. The following morning, the accused again entered the victim’s bedroom. The incident was witnessed by his granddaughter (11), who encouraged the victim to report the matter.
“The victim initially struggled to disclose the rape because of fear. She later revealed what had happened after family members noticed that she was emotionally distressed and questioned her,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said the court found the state’s witnesses credible and reliable. He added that the court found the state witnesses to be credible, reliable and consistent in their accounts.
“The victim’s evidence was corroborated in material respects by the accused’s own admissions. During sentencing proceedings, the state prosecutor, Kelley Mthwalo argued that the accused had occupied a position akin to that of a father figure in the victim’s life and had failed in his duty to protect and care for her.
“A Victim Impact Statement compiled by Melissa Mphulenyane was also presented to the court, detailing the emotional and psychological impact of the offence on the victim. The court found substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence and sentenced the accused to 25 years’ direct imprisonment,” said Senokoatsane.
He said the NPA welcomed the sentence and commended the prosecutor, investigating team and other role-players involved in securing justice for the victim. Senokoatsane said the outcome demonstrates that perpetrators of sexual offences, particularly those who abuse positions of trust within families, will be held accountable for their actions.
He also commended the victim for her courage in reporting the offence and participating in the criminal justice process, despite the trauma she endured. Senokoatsane said the NPA remains committed to prosecuting sexual offences and all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) without fear, favour, or prejudice.
Senokoatsane said the NPA would continue working to ensure that victims and survivors are treated with dignity, protected throughout the criminal justice process and afforded access to justice.
The Guardian 