Three life terms for 65-year-old who lured four primary school girls with sweets and raped them

Polokwane — A 65-year-old man has been sentenced to three life terms in prison for rape and an additional 15 years for attempted rape after he lured four minor girls with sweets and snacks near a primary school in Makweng village, under the Magatle policing area.

The Thabamoopo Regional Court handed down the sentence on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, after finding the accused guilty on three counts of rape and one count of attempted rape. The incidents occurred between 1 September and 31 October 2022.

According to evidence presented in court, the man operated a small business selling sweets and snacks next to a local primary school. He enticed the victims, aged between 10 and 12, to his home after school hours by promising them more snacks. Once there, he raped them in separate incidents and subjected them to severe abuse.

One of the girls eventually reported the ordeal to her teacher, who informed the parents. The matter was then reported to the police, leading to the accused’s arrest at Makweng village on 15 November 2022.

The case was transferred to the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, where it was assigned to Warrant Officer Chuene Selolo. Selolo played a key role in the investigation, persistently opposing bail for the accused until the matter reached sentencing.

Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence, describing it as a strong deterrent.

“This sentence sends a strong message to perpetrators of gender-based violence and child abuse, particularly the most vulnerable members of our society,” Hadebe said.

The conviction and harsh sentencing align with ongoing efforts under the #EndGBVF campaign to protect children and combat sexual violence against minors in South Africa. The accused’s identity has not been released in official statements to protect the victims.

Police have urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour involving children near schools or in isolated areas.