The Protea Magistrate’s Court sentenced scholar transport driver Retshidisitsoe Moletsane (39) to life imprisonment for raping a 16-year-old learner.

Charged with rape, Moletsane had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court ordered that the accused be registered in the National Register for Sexual Offences and declared him unfit to work with children.

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According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the incidents occurred in November 2020.

On the day of the incident, the victim had finished her exam early and waited in the taxi for the other children.

“The driver then followed her, undressed both of them and forced himself on the victim. He threatened to call other drivers to come and rape her as well if she didn’t co-operate,” explained Mjonondwane.

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She said later that month, the accused took the victim from school but, instead of dropping her home, drove to a friend’s place, where he forced himself on her.

“The victim then asked to use the bathroom, but the accused followed her and raped her again. A few months later, the victim’s mother noticed changes in her behaviour, and the victim attempted suicide several times.

“At one point, she even collapsed at school before finally confiding in her mother,” she said.

Regional Court prosecutor Mmakgadi Mangena said the accused showed no remorse for his actions.

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He highlighted the grave betrayal of trust, noting that the victim’s mother had trusted the accused to transport her child safely to and from school, but he took advantage of that trust. Mangena added that the only appropriate sentence for someone who abuses their position is life imprisonment.

“The NPA remains committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence and advocating for a society where every child is safe, protected, and heard. We hope this sentence delivers justice and marks a step toward healing.”