How rapist lured 12-year-old boy using bicycle advert on Facebook, exploited child's trust

The Seshego Regional Court has sentenced a 40-year-old Limpopo man after convicting him for raping and sexually grooming a 12-year-old boy.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the court found that the accused lured the minor by posting a bicycle advertisement on Facebook. 

“After promising the victim a bicycle, he exploited the boy’s trust, groomed him, and went on to rape him on two separate occasions,” said Ledwaba.

The case was transferred to the Seshego family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit and was meticulously investigated by Sergeant Nation Teffo.

The accused man was arrested, and the court denied him bail. He remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial.

Following the trial, the rapist was sentenced as follows:

• Count 1: rape – life imprisonment
• Count 2: rape – life imprisonment
• Count 3: sexual grooming – five years imprisonment
• Count 4: sexual grooming – five years imprisonment

The court ordered that the sentences will run concurrently, which means the rapist will serve life in prison.

Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has saluted the investigating officer and all the participants in the case for ensuring justice for the vulnerable victimised child. 

“This sentence should send a strong message that crimes against children will never be tolerated and perpetrators will be prosecuted accordingly,” said Hadebe.

On Thursday, IOL reported that police in Limpopo have welcomed the sentencing of 28-year-old Abram Johannes Mahlangu to life imprisonment for the rape of a 101-year-old woman, along with an additional three-year sentence for housebreaking.

The incident occurred at Sehlakoana Village, Zaaplaas, on Friday, 26 July 2024, at approximately 18:00. The court noted that the victim had gone to sleep in her bedroom with doors and windows securely closed, and nothing unusual was noticed.

The following morning, Saturday, 27 July 2024, at about 05:00, while the victim was still in bed, an unknown male entered her room. The suspect forcibly restrained the victim, ordered her to remain quiet, undressed her, and raped her. After committing the heinous crime, the accused escaped through a window.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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