Nieuwoudtville, Northern Cape – A 17-year-old boy has been sentenced to an effective 12 years' imprisonment by the Calvinia Regional Court for raping three minor boys in the Niewoudtville area. The teenager, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, was found guilty on five counts of rape committed since 2021, when he was just 14 years old.
The case, which has horrified residents across the province, dates back to 2021, when the young perpetrator began targeting the boys while they played soccer alone, according to Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers. The abuse took place repeatedly over an extended period, with the truth only emerging later, prompting an intensive police investigation.
The victims, aged four, six, and eight, were repeatedly abused by the teenager, who would accost them while they were playing soccer alone, Colonel Ehlers said. The court heard that the teenager raped the three boys on several occasions before he was arrested.
On Friday, March 28, 2025, the teenager was sentenced for five counts of rape. The court ordered him to serve 12 years imprisonment for each count of rape. However, the sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 12 years.
The Northern Cape provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, commended Detective Warrant Officer David Matthys and State prosecutor Darryl Bromkamp for their “methodical investigation and teamwork that led to the sentencing of the young offender”.
“The heinous crimes of this nature that involve child victims and offenders remain a concern for the SAPS. Collaboration with other relevant law enforcement agencies and Government departments will be fortified in order to create awareness in communities and to accelerate action and mobilise stakeholders to prevent the commission of these crimes,” Otola said.
Detectives from the South African Police Service (SAPS), in partnership with the State Prosecutor’s office, worked meticulously to piece together the case, ultimately securing the conviction. Their combined efforts brought long-awaited justice for the victims and their families.
The sentence is being seen as a firm stand against crimes of sexual violence involving both child perpetrators and child victims – an issue that has plagued the province and challenged the justice system. Authorities have reiterated the need for greater vigilance, education and collaboration to address the root causes of such crimes and to protect children more effectively.
Colonel Ehlers noted that efforts are also under way to strengthen partnerships between the SAPS, government departments, and community stakeholders to raise awareness, prevent further abuse, and ensure that those who commit such acts face the full might of the law.
