Mahikeng — A 31-year-old man has been handed a life sentence by the Molopo Regional Court in Mahikeng after a judge found he raped his girlfriend in front of their three children and subjected her to a campaign of threats, violence and intimidation.
Account of the abuse and cross‑border coercion
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional office, the woman — a 28-year-old Botswana national — was forced at knifepoint to cross into South Africa in 2024. The court heard that the accused, identified in court documents as Ndamulelo Mashaba, travelled to the woman’s home in Botswana on 11 April 2024 and persuaded her to allow the children to visit him in Makgobistad, North West.
Evidence presented at trial showed that, while the family walked near the Molopo River on the Botswana side of the border, Mashaba produced a knife and threatened to stab the woman. She had earlier indicated she wanted to end the relationship because of his abusive behaviour.
Violence in the home and the rape
Prosecutors told the court that after forcing the woman into South Africa, Mashaba took her to his home where he used a rope to hang her in front of the children. Fearing for her life, the woman submitted and the accused then raped her in the presence of the children, the NPA said.
When the woman later tried to speak to a neighbour about the abuse, Mashaba allegedly assaulted her. Prosecutors said he struck her over the head with a beer bottle and stabbed her twice. The woman collapsed and was taken to a local clinic for treatment of serious injuries.
"She had previously told him that she wanted to end their relationship because of his abusive behaviour,"
The quote above was provided by Lindiwe Mabasa, NPA regional spokesperson, in a statement to the court, outlining aspects of the victim’s testimony and the circumstances that led to the charges.
Evidence and court process
Prosecutor Kefentse Diseko presented evidence from two witnesses during the trial; both witnesses were prepared for court through victim preparation processes, the NPA said. The court rejected the accused’s claim that the sexual encounter was consensual, finding that the complainant had submitted out of fear for her life.
- Accused: Ndamulelo Mashaba, 31
- Victim: 28-year-old Botswana national
- Children present: Three
- Location of verdict: Molopo Regional Court, Mahikeng
- Key charges: Rape, assault and related violent offences
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 11 April 2024 | Accused travelled to victim’s home in Botswana and later forced her and the children across the border near the Molopo River. |
| Undisclosed dates following | Incidents of hanging with a rope, rape in the presence of the children, subsequent assault with a bottle and stabbing; victim treated at a clinic. |
| Trial date | Molopo Regional Court heard evidence and convicted the accused; life sentence imposed. |
Broader implications and community impact
The case underscores several pressing challenges for the region: cross‑border interpersonal violence, the vulnerability of women who may lack secure immigration status, the trauma experienced by children who witness sexual and physical violence, and the role of victim‑support procedures during prosecution.
Local social services and victim support organisations often emphasise the need for coordinated responses that include medical care, psychological support for both adult victims and children, safe shelter options, and legal assistance — especially when an offence involves movement across an international boundary.
Prosecutors and court officials relied on victim‑preparation measures and witness testimony to secure the conviction. The NPA statement underlines the importance of thorough preparation of witnesses in cases where intimidation and fear may affect the ability to testify.
The sentence aims both to punish the offender and to signal that courts will treat sexual violence, particularly when perpetrated in front of children, with the utmost seriousness.
Further inquiries about support services for victims and child witnesses in Mahikeng can be directed to NPA regional offices and local social development departments which coordinate victim‑assistance referrals and counselling services.
Mapaseka Ramaila is the North West correspondent reporting from Mahikeng.
