Staff Reporter
On Monday 22 June 2020 the Kathu Regional Court convicted and sentenced a 38-year-old paedophile after linking him to the rape and sexual grooming of a 10-year-old victim in Kathu during February 2025.
The offences came to light on Sunday, 16 February 2025, when the accused borrowed his cellphone to a witness.
While using the device, the witness discovered photographs and videos depicting the accused having sexual intercourse with the 10-year-old victim.
The witness immediately reported the matter to the victim’s mother, who subsequently informed the police.
Following the registration of the case at Siyathemba Police Station, the investigation was assigned to Detective Constable Bele.
Through diligent investigative work and the gathering of substantial evidence, he secured the arrest of the suspect three days later.
The accused appeared in court on several occasions and remained in custody throughout the proceedings, after his bail application was successfully opposed.
The Kathu Regional Court ultimately found the accused guilty and imposed the following sentences:
* Count 1: Rape – 25 years’ imprisonment, of which five years are suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of a similar offence committed during the period of suspension.
* Count 2: Sexual Grooming of a minor – 10 years’ imprisonment.
* Count 3: Creation or manufacture of child pornography material– 10 years’ imprisonment.
The sentences imposed on Counts 2 and 3 will run concurrently with the sentence imposed in Count 1.
The court further ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi applauded Detective Constable Pako Bele for his dedication and hard work in ensuring that justice was served.
He cited that he hopes that the conviction and sentence would serve as a strong deterrent to individuals who prey on vulnerable children and commit crimes against minors.
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