Mom sentenced after hiding rape of her 4-year-old daughter

Rustenburg – The acting district commissioner of Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2, brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, has welcomed the sentencing of a 47-year-old woman who failed to report the rape of her four-year-old daughter — a tragic case that has shocked the Monakato community near Mogwase. The Tlhabane Regional Court sentenced the mother on Monday, 8 April 2025, to three years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, after she was found guilty of defeating the ends of justice. 

According to sergeant Ofentse Mokgadi, the disturbing case dates back to October 2023, when the mother observed troubling changes in her child’s behaviour. Upon questioning, the young girl revealed that she had been raped by a neighbour. Rather than turning to the police, the mother allegedly approached the suspect and his wife directly. It is further alleged that a payment of R12,000 was made to the mother to keep the matter quiet.

Months later, when the child’s health deteriorated, the mother returned to the suspect to demand more money for medical expenses. When the suspect refused, she eventually reported the incident to the authorities. The case was allocated to detective warrant officer Phenyo Monchusi, from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS). His dedicated investigation led to the arrest of the alleged perpetrator, who has been charged with the rape of a minor. That case is still ongoing.

A separate case was opened against the mother for her role in concealing the crime, which led to her conviction and suspended sentence.

Brigadier Ntoagae commended detective Monchusi, the prosecuting team, and all role players for their efforts in ensuring that justice was served.