28-YEAR-OLD JAN MALATJI SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRL IN GA-SEKGOPO

Tshepo Jan Malatji, a 28-year-old man from Sebayeng village in Turfloop, was sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment for the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Ga-Sekgopo village.




On 9 April 2020, at approximately 18:00, the victim was sent to a spaza shop by her mother. On her way back, she was grabbed by an unknown male who threatened to kill her and dragged her to a river where he raped her.

The victim reported the incident to her mother, who identified the suspect using the description provided by her daughter. The police were called, and the suspect was arrested. The victim received medical attention, and the case docket was transferred to the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit for further investigation.



Detective Sergeant Mathebula Glenda successfully opposed the accused’s application for bail, and the DNA test report linked him to the crime. Malatji admitted to the commission of the crime and pleaded guilty on 11 September 2024 at the Tzaneen Regional Court, resulting in his sentencing to 10 years imprisonment.