Driekop, Limpopo – The Burgersfort Regional Court has handed a Limpopo hip hop artist three life terms of imprisonment for raping a 9-year-old boy.
The court also declared Samuel Boomfire Mbuyane (42), of Driekop village in Sekhukhune, unfit to possess a firearm and ordered his inclusion on the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Between 06–08 November 2020, Mbuyane lured the 9-year-old victim to his home in Driekop village under the pretence of playing music.
Once inside, he restrained the boy by tying him to a chair, raped him, and threatened to kill him if he disclosed the abuse to his family, claiming the victim was his “wife.”
Mbuyane further gave the boy a cellular phone with an alarm set as a reminder to return for additional assaults. The victim, coerced by fear, returned twice and was raped again on each occasion. The abuse came to light when the victim’s mother noticed his physical pain and distress. Community members apprehended Mbuyane and alerted the South African Police Service, leading to his arrest.
Mbuyane pleaded not guilty, denying the allegations.
The State Prosecutor Thandi Mafolo presented a compelling case, supported by the victim’s testimony, now 14 years old, his mother’s account, and medical evidence confirming the assaults.
A Victim Impact Statement, compiled with the assistance of a Court Preparation Officer, detailed the profound psychological trauma and social stigma the victim faced, including peer ostracism and the need to change schools. The court found the prosecution’s evidence credible and rejected Mbuyane’s defence as baseless, affirming the gravity of his predatory actions.
In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Mafolo argued that Mbuyane’s status as a community figure and his exploitation of the victim’s trust warranted the severest penalty. She emphasised the lifelong trauma inflicted on the victim, who was forced to witness his own repeated violation, and the broader scourge of GBV in South Africa.
Mafolo urged the court to impose three life terms under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 to deter similar offences and protect society.
The presiding magistrate agreed, stating, “The accused’s calculated and brutal violation of a defenceless child demands permanent removal from society.”
Finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate, the court imposed three life terms to run concurrently, alongside firearm restrictions and sex offender registry inclusion.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed Mabuyane’s three life terms, saying the sentence underscored its unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and combating gender-based violence (GBV).
The NPA commended the courage of the young victim, whose disclosure, supported by his mother and community, ensured accountability. Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Ivy Thenga praised Prosecutor Mafolo and Investigating Officer Sergeant Jacob Letsatsi Mojalefa for their meticulous work, stating, “This sentence sends a resolute message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue predators who target children, ensuring justice restores safety and dignity.”
The NPA said its partnership with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided critical psychosocial support to the victim, reflecting its victim-centric approach.
“The NPA urges communities to remain vigilant in protecting children, reporting abuse promptly, and supporting survivors through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. This case highlights the critical role of parents and community members in recognising signs of distress and taking decisive action. The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children can heal and thrive, free from fear and stigma, and ensuring justice upholds their constitutional rights,” said Thenga.
