A FREE State man has been sentenced to life in prison for raping a teenage girl who was friends with his own son.
Tebogo Makhanya, 43, committed the offence in March 2023 after he lured the victim, then aged 14, to his home under the false pretext of wanting to discuss with her an issue involving his son.
He raped her twice before taking her to an field where he threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident.
The victim only gathered the courage to reported the matter in November 2023, leading to Makhanya’s arrest.
After he was found guilty of rape by the Bloemfontein Sexual Offences Court, prosecutor Valerie Herholdt argued for a maximum sentence that would send a clear message that the justice system will not tolerate such crimes and that perpetrators will face the full force of the law.
The court sentenced Makhanya to life imprisonment this week.
Welcoming the sentence, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commended the victim’s bravery and resilience.
“This sentence warns that violence against women and children will be met with severe punishment,” NPA Free State regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said in a statement.
“The NPA remains dedicated to ensuring safe communities and justice for GBV victims.” – Staff Reporter