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On Wednesday, 3 September 2025, the Burgersfort Regional Court sentenced 28-year-old Makofane Matala Tolerate to 17 years in prison for raping a 14-year-old schoolgirl. The court also ordered his name to be added to the Child Sexual Offences Register.
The incident occurred on 15 May 2024, around 17:00, near Ikhwezi village in the Burgersfort policing area. The victim, unable to board her regular scholar transport due to it being full, accepted a ride from Tolerate, who operated as another school transport driver. After she entered his vehicle, Tolerate made inappropriate advances. Despite her protests, he drove to a secluded area, locked the doors, and raped her. When she resisted, he strangled her, forcing her to submit out of fear for her life. Afterward, he drove her home.
The victim disclosed the assault to her sister on 16 May 2024, who informed their mother. The following day, her parents took her to Dilokong Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical attention and reported the case at Burgersfort Police Station. The investigation was handed to Detective Constable Julian Mphahlele of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, who arrested Tolerate the next day.
Although the court granted bail despite opposition from Mphahlele, the detective worked closely with Public Prosecutor Ngoako Petlo to secure a conviction. The successful sentencing reflects their dedicated efforts to bring justice to the victim.
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