 In a decisive ruling, the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 25 September 2025, sentenced 44-year-old Poulis Ngwepe to life imprisonment for the 2020 rape of a 13-year-old girl.
The court was presented with evidence detailing the traumatic attack, which occurred on the night of 10 August 2020 in Ga-Ramoshoana village, under the Matlala policing area. The victim had gone outside her home to fetch a bucket when Ngwepe spotted and followed her. He accosted the girl, grabbed her, and covered her mouth with his hands before forcibly taking her to his residence. There, he raped her and threatened to kill her if she ever revealed the ordeal.
Following her release, the brave victim reported the incident to her grandmother, who acted promptly by alerting the South African Police Service (SAPS). A rape case was officially registered at the Matlala SAPS station, and the investigation was subsequently handed over to the specialized Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
The case was assigned to Sergeant Victor Mokhudu, whose meticulous and dedicated investigative work led to the identification, arrest, and charging of Ngwepe. Although the accused was granted bail during the initial court proceedings, the persistence of the investigation ultimately secured a conviction.
On Thursday, the court found Ngwepe guilty and imposed the ultimate sentence of life imprisonment for the rape of a minor.
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