Key points
- The NPA secured multiple convictions in severe GBV cases, reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance.
- Survivors’ testimonies and Victim Impact Statements played a critical role in sentencing.
- Courts handed down heavy penalties, sending a clear warning to would-be offenders.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to justice in the face of gender-based violence (GBV), following a series of powerful convictions secured during the week ending 27 July 2025.
According the NPA, these rulings not only deliver justice to survivors but echo a clear message that perpetrators of GBV will be held accountable without fear, favour, or prejudice.
Survivor testimonies fuel justice
One deeply troubling case unfolded in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, where a 38-year-old man was sentenced to 15 years for the brutal rape of his 25-year-old girlfriend, with an additional 8 years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The violent assault, sparked by baseless accusations of infidelity, left the young woman physically battered and emotionally scarred.
In court, the accused pleaded not guilty, claiming their encounter was consensual and denying assault. His legal team appealed for leniency, pointing to his first-time offender status and pre-trial incarceration. But State Prosecutor Anton Burger firmly opposed this, arguing that the accused exhibited no genuine remorse and continued to see the victim as his property.
“The accused portrayed extremely possessive behaviour towards the complainant, which reflects that he believes he owns the complainant and is entitled to her body,” Burger told the court. A Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Kgomotso Lodi laid bare the profound psychological toll, offering a voice to the survivor’s ongoing trauma.
Prosecutors push back against leniency
Magistrate Sheila Msibi ruled in favour of the state, condemning the accused’s conduct as brutal and reflective of deep-rooted misogyny. “He humiliated her in public, stripping her of her right to dignity,” she noted, emphasising that love does not equate to ownership. While she acknowledged the severity of the crimes, she found compelling reasons to deviate from the life sentence minimum, handing down a combined term of 23 years.
In another heart-wrenching case from Mothibistad, 58-year-old Mosimaneotsile Selohela was sentenced to 30 years for the repeated rape of his 11-year-old relative. The abuse had remained hidden until the child bravely confided in her mother, an act that ultimately led to justice.
Courts send clear message
In eLukwatini, 60-year-old Petros Mkhatshwa received a life sentence for the repeated molestation of a 13-year-old girl. Her courage to speak out ignited a legal process that ended with a resounding verdict against her abuser.
Perhaps the most devastating case came out of Eshowe, where a father was sentenced to four life terms for raping his four children, aged between two and eight. The NPA described this as a painful reminder of hidden violence within homes and reiterated its call for community vigilance.
Across all cases, Victim Impact Statements gave survivors the space to reclaim their voices and highlight the deep emotional and psychological harm they endured. The NPA praised their bravery, commended prosecutors’ dedication, and reiterated its firm position: justice must not waver in the face of gender-based violence.
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