'Christmas Day rapist' sentenced to 17 years for raping a 12-year-old boy

RAPE accused John Bendlela, 53, also known as “Mahosh”, has been sentenced to serve 17 years behind bars after he was found guilty of raping a 12-year-old boy. 

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the Upington regional court suspended three years of the 20 year sentence for five years. 

He said the incident occurred on Christmas Day, December 25 2015, when the boy met the accused who he knew from the neighbourhood, in the street.

"He enquired about a R50 payment that he had promised him in return for assisting the accused with running his errands in the past. The accused lured the child by promising to get change to pay him and took him along to a nearby tavern, which was closed. Instead of allowing the boy to go home, the accused forcibly dragged him to his residence." 

He added that the accused offered the boy food when they arrived at his house and then instructed him to remove his clothes under the pretext of cultural beliefs.

"The accused threatened to kill him and throw his body in a nearby ditch when he resisted. He  raped the child and instructed him to wipe himself. The child, however, left the evidence intact, intending to report the matter to his mother. The following morning, the accused gave the child R50 and warned him not to speak out. The child immediately informed his mother, who reported the matter to the police. The child was taken to hospital for medical examination and forensic evidence was collected, including his underwear. DNA tests confirmed the presence of the accused’s semen, linking him directly to the offence." 

Senokoatsane stated that the NPA court preparation officer, Anna Isaacs, assisted the child throughout the trial and submitted a victim impact statement that detailed the emotional trauma he endured, including teasing and bullying by peers, which ultimately forced him to relocate to live with his father.

"The court found the accused guilty and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO).

State prosecutor Friedle du Plessis said the child's bravery and quick thinking, ensured that crucial DNA evidence was preserved.  The prosecutor also noted that the child’s immediate report to his mother, enabled swift police action and a thorough investigation.

The NPA commended the prosecution and investigation team that worked with professionalism and commitment in pursuing justice.

"The NPA reaffirms its resolve to protect children and all vulnerable persons by ensuring that perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice. These cases provide some justice and closure to the victims and their families and remove violent criminals from our streets," Senokoatsane added.