A 54-year-old Mabopane man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 17-year-old girl living with an intellectual disability in Mamelodi.

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court sentenced Piet Tshabalala after finding him guilty of raping the teenager on February 5, 2024. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred when the victim’s aunt left her at their residence to go to a nearby shop.

While the teenager was alone in the house, Tshabalala entered, undressed her and began raping her.

NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the victim’s father arrived to visit her and found the two half-naked. He informed the victim’s stepmother before they confronted Tshabalala and took him to the police station, where the incident was reported.

He was arrested and remained in custody after the state successfully opposed his bail application.

“The victim received medical care, psychological support and legal assistance at the Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre.

“During the trial, Tshabalala pleaded not guilty and claimed he was in a relationship with the victim,” said Mahanjana.

State prosecutor Andries Ntjana presented evidence from the examining doctor, the victim’s parents and her aunt, proving the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Court considers gravity of offence

During sentencing, the defence asked the court to consider Tshabalala’s status as a first-time offender, his previous employment and his responsibility for three children.

Ntjana opposed the request, arguing that the seriousness of the offence, the victim’s vulnerability and the abuse of trust justified life imprisonment.

Victim impact statements facilitated by court preparation officer Kgomotso Lodi outlined the profound effect of the offence on the victim’s family.

The magistrate found no reasons to depart from the prescribed minimum sentence, emphasising that Tshabalala had exploited a vulnerable child and violated her rights as a person living with a disability.

Mahanjana said the NPA would continue working through its prosecution services and Thuthuzela Care Centres to ensure justice for victims of gender-based violence victims receive appropriate support throughout the criminal justice process.

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