WESSELBRON, FREE STATE — A 66-year-old Wesselsbron man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a minor, concluding a severe case of child sexual abuse that spanned several months. The Wesselsbron Regional Court handed down the maximum sentence, reinforcing the judicial system’s stance on protecting vulnerable youth.
The conviction stems from a series of horrific incidents involving an 11-year-old girl. According to court proceedings, the abuse first occurred on December 15, 2024. The pattern of violence continued on Saturday, February 15, 2025, while the young victim was visiting her grandmother’s home in Monyakeng, Wesselsbron.
During this visit, the accused, who was well known to the child, lured the victim into a bedroom while she was playing out of her grandmother’s sight. He locked the door and assaulted her. The traumatic ordeal was interrupted when other minor children looked through the keyhole, witnessed the accused and the victim on the bed, and immediately alerted the grandmother, who contacted law enforcement.
Subsequent police investigations revealed a disturbing pattern: the accused had been providing the victim with money following each assault.
The case was assigned to Warrant Officer Mabote Lebone of the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Through meticulous investigative work led by Lebone, the accused was apprehended. The case was then successfully prosecuted by Sephugu of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), resulting in a guilty verdict for rape.
On October 22, 2026, Magistrate Randall finalized the sentencing. In addition to the life imprisonment term, the magistrate ordered that the 66-year-old’s details be formally entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Major General (Dr) Tholie Afonso, the Lejweleputswa District Commissioner, publicly welcomed the stringent sentencing. Afonso emphasized that the ruling serves as a definitive message of zero tolerance for individuals who commit crimes against women and children.
The Commissioner further reiterated that any actions seeking to undermine the rule of law and endanger the safety of the community will be met with decisive and uncompromising legal action.
