Friday, June 20, 2025
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is continuing to intensify its efforts in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Over the past week, a total of 201 suspects were arrested for rape in police operations across the country. Of the arrests, 56 were wanted individuals tracked down in various provinces.
“Among the arrests was that of a man and woman in Bloubergstrand, Western Cape, for the alleged sexual abuse of their daughters, aged three and eight,” the SAPS said in a statement.
Police seized multiple electronic devices during their arrest, and they face several charges, including the production of child sexual abuse material (child pornography), rape, sexual assault and sexual grooming.
More recently, a 24-year-old suspect was arrested by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Tonga, Mpumalanga on 19 June 2025 following the gang rape of a 27-year-old woman. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Notable convictions include:
• On 09 June 2025, the Polokwane High Court sentenced serial rapist Lesley Morwamashobe Mohlala (33) to 222 years’ imprisonment. He was found guilty on multiple counts of rape and aggravated robbery.
• The East London High Court sentenced a 42-year-old accused to life imprisonment for the rape of a 13-year-old girl, who became pregnant as a result of the assault.
• The Bloemfontein Regional Court sentenced a 51-year-old accused to life imprisonment for raping his niece, who was 10 years old at the time. During sentencing, it emerged that he was on parole for a previous rape conviction at the time of the offence, an aggravating factor that influenced the court’s decision.
• On 18 June 2025, the Watervaal Regional Court sentenced a 25-year-old accused from Tshiozwi, Limpopo to life imprisonment for raping his nine-year-old cousin in 2021.
“The SAPS remains committed to ensuring justice prevails for victims by removing sexual predators from our communities,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za
