Qwaqwa man gets 18 years for raping 15-year-old girl

A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of a 15-year-old girl in Makong Village in Qwaqwa, the South African Police Service said.

Mahlaba Reanetse was convicted and sentenced in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court. The case was investigated by Detective Sergeant MP Moloi of the Phuthaditjhaba Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, working with the National Prosecuting Authority. Magistrate Msimanga presided and Ms Nteo represented the State.

The rape happened two years ago, on 6 October 2024 at about 15:00. According to the police account, the girl was at her grandmother’s residence when her father called her to open the gate for him. She opened the gate and went back inside the house. While she was inside, she heard footsteps at the back of the property. A man approached her from behind, grabbed her and covered her mouth with his hand. He was armed with a knife and raped her.

The girl was able to identify the man, and the matter was reported to the police. A case of rape was opened and investigated by Detective Sergeant Moloi.

The South African Police Service said it welcomed the sentence and remained committed to ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences, particularly against children, are brought to justice.

This report is based on the SAPS media statement, which is a summary of the case rather than the full court record. Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), Man sentenced to 18 years direct imprisonment for rape, https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71639