By Teboho Moloi
BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lt-General Baile Motswenyane, has applauded the “relentless dedication” of police investigators, prosecutors, and the bravery of victims after a Welkom-based lawyer was handed three life sentences and 61 years in prison for a string of heinous sexual crimes against five minors.
The 58-year-old lawyer, whose identity cannot be disclosed to protect the victims, was convicted on 16 counts ranging from rape, sexual grooming, and child pornography to sexual exploitation. The Bloemfontein High Court delivered the landmark judgment following a lengthy trial that began in 2019.
Lt-General Motswenyane said the ruling sent a clear message that the justice system would not tolerate those who prey on children.
“These were atrocious crimes committed by someone in a position of trust and authority,” she said. “We commend the victims for their courage in coming forward and the tireless work of Captain Fanie van der Merwe and the prosecution team for ensuring a dangerous offender is removed from society.”
The court heard that the abuse occurred between 2007 and 2017 at the accused’s home in Dagbreek, Welkom. The investigation began when a mother reported that her two daughters had disclosed being sexually abused by their stepfather.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, the accused’s victims included his two stepdaughters, a niece, and two friends of the family, the youngest being only seven years old when the abuse began.
“The accused sexually groomed the children, exposed them to pornography, and digitally raped three of them. He also recorded some of the assaults, resulting in charges of producing child pornography,” Kareli said.
Advocate Amanda Bester of the National Prosecuting Authority led the successful prosecution in partnership with Captain Van der Merwe from the Thabong Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
The court imposed the following sentences:
* Three life terms for rape;
* Five years for indecent assault;
* 16 years for sexual grooming;
* 10 years for exposing pornography to a child;
* Five years for sexual exploitation of a child;
* Five years for producing child pornography;
* Five years for compelled sexual assault and
* 15 years for sexual assault
The cumulative fixed-term sentences total 61 years, to be served concurrently with the three life terms.
Police urged the public to report all cases of child abuse and sexual offences immediately to the nearest police station or FCS Unit.
“This judgment should bring a measure of justice and closure to the survivors,” said Motswenyane.
“It reaffirms our collective commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.”
