Paroled Rapist Gets Life for Raping 14-Year-Old Neighbour while on parole for a previous rape

Paroled Rapist Handed Two Life Terms for "Corrective Rape" of 14-Year-Old Neighbour

PRETORIA – In a landmark ruling that underscores the justice system's hardline stance against repeat sexual offenders, a 39-year-old Olievenhoutbosch man has been sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment for the brutal rape of a 14-year-old girl—a crime he committed while on parole for a previous rape conviction.

The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court found the man guilty on two counts of rape, ordering the sentences to run concurrently. The court also ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. The sentence sends a stark warning to serial sexual predators that the system will not tolerate the rehabilitation of individuals deemed beyond reform.

A Pattern of Predation: From Parole to Prey

The case exposed a chilling pattern of predation. The court heard that during October 2021, the man, who was a neighbour to the victim, lured the 14-year-old girl to his residence on two separate occasions. He would send her to a nearby shop and, upon her return, instruct her to enter his room, lock the door, and rape her. In a calculated move to ensure her silence, he gave her R150 after one of the assaults.

The truth unraveled in May 2022 when the victim asked her mother for money. Upon questioning, the traumatised girl revealed that the neighbour had given her money after sexually assaulting her. The mother immediately reported the matter to the police, leading to the man's arrest at his home.

READ: Rapist Sentenced to Life for Assault on 101-Year-Old Limpopo Woman |

Justice for the Victim: A Supported Path to Healing

The victim was swiftly taken to the Laudium Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), a critical facility in the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) network designed to provide a holistic support system for gender-based violence survivors. Here, she received essential medical care, psychological counselling, and legal assistance, forming a cornerstone of the state's successful prosecution.

In court, the man pleaded not guilty, baselessly claiming the victim's family had coerced her into making false allegations. However, State Prosecutor Advocate Chester Molaba presented a compelling body of evidence that left no room for doubt.

A Plea for Leniency Denied: "Unable to be Rehabilitated"

A pivotal moment in the trial came during sentencing submissions. The man, through his legal representative, pleaded for a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence, arguing that he was a taxi driver and a father of two.

Advocate Molaba vehemently opposed this, revealing the accused's damning history: he was on parole for a 2009 rape conviction when he targeted his young neighbour.

“He committed this offence of rape while on parole for committing a similar offence… as such he cannot be rehabilitated,” Adv Molaba argued, urging the court to impose life imprisonment.

Magistrate Themba Ndandwe agreed entirely with the state, finding no substantial or compelling circumstances for leniency. He emphasized the court's duty to protect the community and noted the accused's complete lack of remorse, solidifying the conclusion that he was a danger to society.

READ: Univen Student Dies in Suspected GBV Attack |

A Broader Mandate: The NPA's Stance on GBV

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren, commended the prosecution team, reaffirming the NPA's commitment to combating sexual violence.

“All cases of sexual violence violate the rights to dignity and privacy of victims, as guaranteed in our Constitution; therefore, the NPA will continue to prosecute such cases vigorously,” stated Adv Van Vuuren.

The NPA urges communities to remain vigilant, report abuse immediately, and leverage the support available through TCCs. The case serves as a sombre reminder for parents and guardians to be aware of the signs of abuse and to act swiftly to protect children, ensuring perpetrators face the full might of the law