The Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit has secured a life sentence against 46-year-old Nelson Letsoalo for the rape of a 12-year-old girl in 2013.
The incident occurred when the minor victim was visiting her grandmother in the Khapamadi Section under the Bolobedu policing area. The grandmother had given the girl money to buy goods from a nearby shop. However, when the victim went to the shop, which was adjacent to a tavern, Letsoalo—who was known to her as a cleaner—called her inside.
Upon entering, Letsoalo forced the child onto the floor and raped her. He then threatened to kill her if she disclosed the assault to anyone.
Traumatized by the ordeal, the victim struggled psychologically for years before finally confiding in her mother on 4 January 2020. The mother and daughter immediately reported the crime to the police, and a rape case was opened.
The following day, 5 January 2020, Letsoalo was arrested at his home in Kgapane location. The case was transferred to the Tzaneen FCS unit, where Sergeant Auldah Tintswalo Vukeya took over the investigation.
Despite Letsoalo being granted R1,000 bail during court proceedings, Sergeant Vukeya’s meticulous investigative work ensured a successful prosecution. On Thursday, 31 July 2025, the Tzaneen Regional Court found Letsoalo guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
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