By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 November 2025- A man (30) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Christiana Regional Court for rape. This comes after the accused, Boikanyo Seemohela raped his nephew (9) in 2021.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the investigations revealed that Seemohela is the uncle of the victim. Gunya said the accused, the victim’s mother, and the victim, were staying together in a three-bedroom house in Christiana.
“The mother slept in the bedroom alone, and the victim slept with his uncle on a mattress in the sitting room. Evidence presented in court revealed that between August and September 2021, Seemohela would wait for the mother of the victim to go to sleep, whilst on the mattress, he undressed the victim and sexually assaulted him.
“After the incident, the victim was afraid to inform his mother. The mother became aware of the assault after 8 months, while the victim was bathing, he bent, and the mother noticed something strange on him and confronted him. After being confronted, he told his mother about the assault by his uncle,” he said.
Gunya further said the case was opened and the uncle was arrested. He added that Seemohela was later released on bail, but it was cancelled after he absconded during the trial.
“He was remanded in custody until the finalisation of the trial. During the trial, he pleaded not guilty and denied his involvement in the assault. In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Gcinumuzi Radebe, argued that the offence is serious and prevalent of rape in his arguments. He articulated that Seemohela’s actions constituted a violation of the victim’s constitutional rights to bodily integrity and lasting trauma.
“In handing down the judgment, the court found that the rape degraded the dignity of the victim and the courts have a duty to protect the victims. Finding substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed life imprisonment under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, the court imposed 18 years imprisonment, and his name was to be included in the sex offender registry,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, praised Radebe, the investigating officer, and the South African Police Service for their diligent collaboration. Makhari said the NPA remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and holding perpetrators accountable.
“This conviction sends a clear message that the NPA will relentlessly pursue GBV perpetrators, ensuring justice restores safety and dignity for victims. The NPA’s partnership with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided critical psychosocial support to the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach,” she said.
The Guardian 