As South Africa prepares to observe the annual 21 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Child Abuse, courts across the country have delivered heavy sentences to perpetrators of rape, murder, and abuse, reaffirming the justice system’s commitment to protecting women and children.
In the North West, the Christiana Regional Court sentenced Boikanyo Seemohela (30) to 18 years in prison for raping his nine-year-old nephew in 2021. The incident occurred while Seemohela, the victim, and his mother were staying in the same house. The child slept on a mattress in the sitting room with Seemohela, while his mother slept in a separate bedroom. Seemohela assaulted the child after the mother went to bed. The boy initially feared reporting the abuse, but after noticing injuries, his mother confronted him and learned the truth.
Seemohela was arrested, released on bail, and rearrested after absconding during the trial. He pleaded not guilty, but the court found him guilty of rape and ordered his inclusion on the National Sex Offender Register. Prosecutor Gcinumuzi Radebe told the court that the crime violated the victim’s dignity and constitutional rights. Dr Rachel Makhari, North West Director of Public Prosecutions, praised the investigative and prosecutorial teams and said the case demonstrated the importance of collaboration with Thuthuzela Care Centres, which provide support to victims.
In Limpopo, the Tzaneen Regional Court sentenced Matome Daniel Modiba (41) to life imprisonment for the attempted murder of his girlfriend. Modiba ambushed the victim at her workplace after accusing her of leaving him for another man, shooting her as she tried to hide. She was hospitalised for three months and lost her job due to her injuries. Prosecutor Isaac Mahlangu told the court that the victim had lost her independence and ability to care for her child. The NPA commended her courage in testifying and said the case reflected its commitment to fight gender-based violence.
Still in Limpopo, the Giyani Regional Court sentenced a 38-year-old man from Mbaula to life imprisonment for raping a 14-year-old neighbour. The man also received six months for assault, to run concurrently. The victim was walking home when he grabbed and dragged her to a friend’s house. Prosecutor Maumela Tumelo Matshehla Jeannete told the court that the rape had destroyed the relationship between the two families and that the accused, with a prior conviction for assault, showed no remorse. Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, welcomed the sentence, noting it was the result of a determined investigation and prosecution.
In the Eastern Cape, the Sterkspruit Regional Court sentenced Luyanda Mbolekwa (34) to life imprisonment for murdering his partner, Nokwazi Ntloko (31). Her body was found in a locked bedroom, covered with blankets, showing multiple stab wounds and strangulation injuries. Mbolekwa had been on parole for a prior rape conviction. Prosecutor Anele Magibile told the court that Mbolekwa posed a continuing threat to women. Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, said the life sentence should send a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated.
In the Western Cape, the High Court in George sentenced Rodney Witbooi to life imprisonment plus 37 years and three months for multiple crimes, including the premeditated murder of his ex-wife. Witbooi had a history of violence and attacked his ex-wife with a panga, also assaulting her sister and a security guard. Prosecutor Advocate Evadne Kortje presented evidence of premeditation. Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, praised the investigation team and said the conviction showed determination to end gender-based violence.
Also in the Western Cape, Shaun Romano Keyser was sentenced to 20 years for the rape and murder of 55-year-old Anna Abrahams in Prince Albert, a crime committed 12 years ago. Keyser, 16 at the time, initially claimed he had been forced to commit the act by older men. DNA evidence later linked him to the crime. Prosecutor Hyron Goulding told the court that Keyser’s silence for 12 years showed guilt and disregard for justice.
Advocate Bell said the case demonstrated how science and perseverance could bring closure to families and accountability to offenders even after many years.
The recent convictions across provinces show the NPA’s continued focus on combating GBV and femicide. “These sentences send a clear message that perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide will face the full force of the law,” said Dr Rachel Makhari of North West.
Advocate Ivy Thenga of Limpopo added, “Each successful prosecution results from months or years of diligent investigative and prosecutorial work, and shows our commitment to protecting children and women.”
The NPA said it will continue prioritising these cases to ensure that women and children live free from fear and abuse. The Authority highlighted its partnerships with Thuthuzela Care Centres, the police, and other stakeholders to provide victim support, gather evidence, and secure convictions.
With the country observing the 21 Days of Activism, the recent convictions serve as a reminder of the urgent need to end gender-based violence. Prosecutors across South Africa have expressed determination to hold offenders accountable and ensure justice for victims. “Justice restores safety and dignity,” said Western Cape’s Advocate Bell. “We will not rest until every victim’s rights are protected, and perpetrators are held responsible for their actions.”
These cases underline the magnitude of GBV in South Africa and the importance of a coordinated legal response. From children to adult women, the courts have sent a clear warning: crimes against the vulnerable will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face severe penalties.
The NPA encouraged victims to come forward, assuring them of support and protection throughout the legal process. “Our approach is victim-centric,” said Anele Magibile of the Eastern Cape. “We are committed to ensuring survivors receive justice and support, while sending a message that violence against women and children will not be tolerated.”
As the 21 Days of Activism campaign approaches, authorities hope that these convictions will empower communities to report abuse, while showing that the legal system takes gender-based violence seriously. The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all cases of GBV, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and that South Africa moves closer to being a safer society for women and children.
