Tuck shop owner who gave girls sweets to keep quiet gets two life terms

A 53-year-old businessman from Caledon Park near Ficksburg has been sentenced to two life terms for the rape of three girls aged 9, 11 and 13 at his tuck shop in January 2020.

Kamal Ibrahim appeared before the Bethlehem Regional Court on Friday, 09 October 2026, where he was convicted and sentenced, according to a South African Police Service media statement issued by the office of the Free State provincial commissioner. The cases were investigated by Detective Sergeant Thabiso Kobeli of the Ficksburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, working with the National Prosecuting Authority.

According to the police account, Ibrahim operated a tuck shop in Caledon Park where the offences took place. After the incidents he allegedly gave the victims sweets from his shop in an attempt to keep them silent.

The crimes came to light when one of the victims eventually disclosed the abuse to her parent, who reported the matter to the police. Ibrahim was arrested and remained in custody while awaiting trial. DNA results, received during the court proceedings, positively linked him to the crime.

Alongside the two life terms, the court ordered that he be registered in the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer and the prosecution team for their dedication in ensuring that justice was served. He reiterated that the police would leave no stone unturned in addressing crimes against women and children, and urged victims of sexual abuse and other forms of violence to break their silence and report such incidents to their nearest police station.

The statement was issued by Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring of the South African Police Service. The full SAPS media statement is available at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71798.