By REGINALD KANYANE
23 June 2026 – A man (38) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Kathu Regional Court for rape, sexual grooming of a minor and creation or manufacture of child pornography material. The accused was convicted after being linked to the rape and sexual grooming of a victim (10) in Kathu, near Kuruman in February 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the offences came to light on 16 February 2025, when the accused lent his cell phone to a witness. Litabe said while using the device, the witness discovered photographs and videos depicting the accused having sexual intercourse with the victim.
“The witness immediately reported the matter to the victim’s mother, who subsequently informed the police. Following the registration of the case at Siyathemba Police Station, the investigation was assigned to Detective Constable Bele.
“Through diligent investigative work and the gathering of substantial evidence, he secured the arrest of the suspect three days later. The accused appeared in court on several occasions and remained in custody throughout the proceedings after his bail application was successfully opposed,” he said.
Litabe further said the Kathu Regional Court ultimately found the accused guilty and imposed a 25 years imprisonment for rape, of which five years are suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of a similar offence committed during the period of suspension. He added that the accused was also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for sexual grooming of a minor and 10 years imprisonment for creation or manufacture of child pornography material.
“The sentences imposed on counts 2 and 3 will run concurrently with the sentence imposed in count 1. The court further ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Litabe.
Meanwhile, the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, praised Bele for his dedication and hard work in ensuring that justice was served. Baloyi cited that he hopes that the conviction and sentence would serve as a strong deterrent to individuals who prey on vulnerable children and commit crimes against minors.
The Guardian 