Zuko Komisa
- Lehlohonolo Monareng received the maximum penalty for raping a teenager during a 2023 community event.
- The attacker was caught by family elders after a witness raised the alarm, leading to his immediate arrest.
- The court heard how the trauma led the victim to leave school, highlighting the lasting scars of gender-based violence.
A 32-year-old man from Soshanguve, Lehlohonolo Monareng, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court for the rape of a 17-year-old girl.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the ruling, which followed a harrowing incident during a traditional ceremony in July 2023.
The assault occurred as the victim was helping serve guests at her home. That evening, Monareng forced his way into an outdoor toilet where the teenager was alone, barricading the door and silencing her.
The attack was interrupted when the victim’s cousin witnessed the crime through a window and alerted elders. Although Monareng attempted to flee, he was caught at the property gate and handed over to the police.
Throughout the trial, Monareng maintained a plea of not guilty despite overwhelming evidence. During sentencing, his defence argued for a lighter term, suggesting his age and the lack of “external” physical injuries warranted a deviation from the mandatory minimum.
However, State Advocate Thamsanqa Given Thwala successfully argued that the psychological damage was irreparable and that the offender showed zero remorse.
The court was presented with a moving Victim Impact Statement, revealing that the teenager had dropped out of school due to the stigma and trauma of the attack.
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