DNA evidence seals fate of man who raped Northern Cape schoolgirl

A MAN has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl at her home in the Northern Cape. The Kuruman Regional Court, sitting in Mothibistad, handed down the sentence to 28-year-old Mpho Gift Mtshali from Klerksdorp in the North West.

The court heard how Mtshali visited the victim's home under the guise of delivering phone accessories for her boyfriend. He reportedly professed his love to the girl, and when she rejected his advances, he produced an object resembling a firearm. Mtshali then forced the teen to undress before raping her.

The traumatised victim reported the attack to her mother later that evening and, with her boyfriend, went to the police. 

During the trial, DNA evidence linked Mtshali to the crime. While he claimed the encounter was consensual, the court found his testimony, along with that of his witnesses, to be unreliable and riddled with inconsistencies.

The Regional Court prosecutor, Kekeletso Lekota, argued for the maximum sentence, highlighting Mtshali’s lack of remorse and his misleading statements. 

Mtshali was sentenced to 18 years for the rape and five years for pointing the object resembling a firearm. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve an effective 18 years behind bars.

The court also ordered that Mtshali’s name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders and prohibited him from working with children. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane stated that the NPA is unwavering in its commitment to fighting gender-based violence. 

“The NPA remains steadfast in combating gender-based violence, utilising all resources to bring perpetrators to justice, protect victims, and safeguard society from those targeting the vulnerable. The NPA sends a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated, ensuring justice and closure for victims while removing violent offenders from the streets,” said Senokoatsane.