Pofadder man sentenced to 20 years for assault and child rape

A 33-year-old accused was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment following his conviction for kidnapping, assaulting and raping a 14-year-old girl.

Regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the accused, Mondre Whitlow, was found guilty on rape, assault, robbery and kidnapping in the Pofadder regional court.

He stated that the accused was involved in a relationship with the cousin of the complainant. 

"The accused and the complainant were known to each other, and they both resided in the rural town of Poffader."

Senokoatsane indicated that the offences occurred on July 1 2023, when the accused misled the 14-year-old child and subjected her to threats, assault, robbery, kidnapping, and repeated sexual violence.

"The child bravely disclosed the ordeal to her family the next day, which led to the swift arrest and prosecution of the accused." 

He added that during the proceedings, Whitlow admitted that his conduct was wrongful, unlawful, and punishable by law.

"Regional court prosecutor, Basil Kock, emphasised that the NPA will continue to act decisively against perpetrators of sexual offences, ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and justice is served." 

He said the sentence was handed down on August 20 after the state and defence entered into a plea and sentence agreement.

"Whitlow was sentenced to six months imprisonment for assault, three years imprisonment for robbery, two years imprisonment for kidnapping and 25 years imprisonment on each of two counts of rape of which five years on each count were suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period." 

He stated that the sentences would run concurrently, where Whitlow would serve an effective 20 years’ imprisonment.

"His name will be entered into the national register for sex offenders, and he was declared unfit to work with children." 

Senokoatsane said the NPA commended the courage of the survivor, the diligent work and the commitment of the prosecution team as well as the police.

"All cases of sexual violence encroach on the rights to dignity and privacy of the victims as enshrined in our Constitution. The NPA will continue to prosecute these cases aggressively," he added.