PHUTHADITJHABA: Two men have been sentenced by the Tseki Regional Court for the rape of minors in separate incidents that occurred in Tseki Village last year. The convictions, secured by the Phuthaditjhaba Family, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, alongside the National Prosecuting Authority, follow assaults on two young girls in October and November 2023.

According to South African Police Service, the first incident took place on 14 October 2023, when a 12-year-old girl from Makgabane Village was attacked at home by Motsamai Simon Motsoari, 22. He was apprehended on 19 October 2023 and subsequently denied bail. Motsoari was found guilty on 22 October 2024 and sentenced to 10 years of direct imprisonment for the sexual offenses committed.

The second incident occurred on 25 November 2023 in Sekgutlong Village. A 16-year-old girl was left alone by her stepmother at their home when her half-brother arrived and later raped her. The half-brother, aged 25, was arrested and charged with rape, appearing in
court on 18 January 2024. On 22 October 2024, he was found guilty and sentenced to 18 years of direct imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Malefu Mbule from the Phuthaditjhaba FCS Unit led the investigations that resulted in these convictions.