The Mokerong Magistrate’s Court on 14 August 2026 sentenced Lesetja Frans Molomo, 28, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl in the Gilead policing area, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed.
How the case unfolded
SAPS reported that the incident occurred on 20 September 2024 when the victim met Molomo at a shop in Hlogo ya Nku village. He allegedly persuaded her to go to his homestead, where the court found he undressed and raped her. After the assault, Molomo gave the girl a cellphone and told her to keep it so he could contact her.
The victim became withdrawn and traumatised, according to the account given to police. Her behaviour included isolating herself from family, refusing food and making threats of self-harm. Her sister later found the cellphone and, when she confronted the girl, learned that Molomo had coerced the minor into an unwanted relationship. The victim’s mother then reported the matter to SAPS, which opened a case and transferred it to the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for investigation.
Investigation and arrest
Sergeant Saki Ledwaba of the Mokopane FCS Unit was assigned to the inquiry and pursued the matter, leading to Molomo’s arrest on 4 November 2024. Bail was refused and Molomo remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing on 14 August 2026 at the Mokerong court.
The case was handled through the FCS specialised unit because it involved a child and an alleged sexual offence, SAPS said. The family’s initial report set the formal criminal process in motion and the specialised unit took over to secure evidence and prepare the matter for prosecution.
Official response
Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, welcomed the sentence and described the ruling as a firm statement against violence targeting women and children. He also praised the dedication shown by the investigating officer.
“This life sentence reflects our commitment to protecting women and children and ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence face the full might of the law. I applaud Sergeant Ledwaba for his professionalism and dedication.”
Support and impact
The victim’s withdrawal and threats of self-harm underline the psychological damage such crimes cause in families and communities. The transfer to the Mokopane FCS Unit reflects the SAPS practice of routing child sexual‑offence matters to specialised investigators who are trained to gather sensitive evidence and to work with victims and families through the criminal process.
Local community leaders and social welfare services are often involved after such convictions to provide ongoing counselling and protection for survivors. While this report does not list the support services engaged in this case, survivors in Limpopo can access help through social development offices, the Department of Health and local non-profit organisations that work on gender-based violence and child protection.
Case timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 20 September 2024 | Incident at Hlogo ya Nku village; victim assaulted |
| Shortly after | Family reports matter to SAPS; case opened |
| 4 November 2024 | Arrest of Lesetja Frans Molomo |
| 14 August 2026 | Mokerong Magistrate’s Court convicts and sentences to life |
Practical information for the community
- If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, report the matter to your nearest police station so it can be opened and referred to the FCS unit.
- Medical attention should be sought immediately after an assault to preserve evidence and address health needs; hospitals have designated services for sexual offences.
- Local social development offices and non-governmental organisations can provide counselling and support; ask your health facility or police about referrals.
The sentencing brings a long-running investigation to a legal close, but it also highlights ongoing challenges in preventing gender-based violence in rural communities. Lieutenant General Scheepers framed the outcome as evidence of SAPS’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable and to protect vulnerable residents, especially children.
This report is based on information released by SAPS and statements from the Provincial Commissioner’s office, and on court action at the Mokerong Magistrate’s Court.
