School transport driver jailed after sexually assaulting 9-year-old, two months into job

A school transport driver from Mamelodi was sentenced to life on Tuesday after he was convicted of the rape of a nine-year-old child, after only spending two months on the job.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence imposed by the Pretoria Regional Court on Given Mpho Mphahlele (41).

NPA Regional Spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said the court heard that in June 2021, the victim’s seven-year-old brother was being dropped off at home by Mphahlele after school.

During the trip, Mphahlele instructed the boy to tell his nine-year-old sister to visit him at his residence.

Mahanjana said Mphahlele also told the child to inform their mother, who was at home, that they were going outside to play.

“Mphahlele then provided the boy with directions to his house,” Mahanjana said.

Upon arriving home, the boy relayed the message to his sister.

Together, they informed their mother that they were going outside to play and proceeded towards Mphahlele’s residence.

Mahanjana said that along the way, they encountered Mphahlele driving home.

He instructed the children to follow his vehicle.

When they arrived at his house, Mphahlele gave the seven-year-old boy money to buy tea bags from a nearby shop.

When the victim insisted on accompanying her brother, Mphahlele instructed her to remain behind.

After the boy left, he locked the door, undressed himself and the child, and raped her.

He stopped when the victim’s brother returned and began knocking on the door.

Mphahlele then dressed both himself and the child and threatened to kill the victim’s mother if she disclosed the incident. Before they left, he gave the children R4 to buy chicken heads.

A month later, in July 2021, while the victim’s mother was sending her to Mphahlele’s next-door neighbour, the child became distressed and started crying.

When her mother enquired about the reason, the child disclosed the rape.

Mahanjana said the matter was immediately reported to the police, and the victim was referred to the Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), where she received medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance.

Following investigations, Mphahlele was arrested on August 19, 2021.

During the trial, Mphahlele pleaded not guilty and denied committing the offence.

However, Prosecutor Corrine Sam presented evidence that proved the State’s case beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in his conviction.

During sentencing proceedings, Mphahlele requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence, arguing that he has three children who depend on him financially as their mother is unemployed and he is the sole breadwinner.

The state opposed the request and argued that a life sentence was appropriate, highlighting that Mphahlele had shown no remorse for his actions, even after his conviction.

Prosecutor Sam further submitted that the accused had occupied a position of trust as a school transport driver entrusted with the safety and well-being of children.

Instead, he abused that trust and violated the innocence and dignity of a vulnerable child.

Mahanjana further said that, in handing down the sentence, the court agreed with the state that the accused had shown no remorse and had exploited the vulnerability of an unsuspecting child.

The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence and concluded that a life sentence was appropriate.

The NPA remains committed to prosecuting sexual offences, particularly those committed against children.

It also encourages victims of GBV to make use of the services provided through its Thuthuzela Care Centres, which offer integrated support, including medical treatment, counselling, and legal assistance.

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