Moshupa man sentenced to 20 years for raping minor boys

A 23-year-old man from Moshupa, Neelo Ratang Matale, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to raping two minor boys from his neighbourhood in 2022.

The case, which has shocked many, recently revealed a disturbing cycle of abuse that began in the accused’s childhood.

Appearing before Senior Magistrate Keneilwe Kgoadi, Matlale admitted to two counts of rape, confessing that he had been sexually abused by his uncles and other relatives when he was a child.

He told the court that he grew up carrying trauma and confusion, not knowing that what was done to him was wrong. “I thought it was normal because it happened to me when I was young,” he said in a trembling voice, drawing uneasy silence across the courtroom.

Magistrate Kgoadi, however, said the horror inflicted on the young victims could never be excused by one’s past experiences. She said the two boys will live with deep psychological wounds and warned that many abusers often use their own pain as justification to harm others.

She hinted that this is a tragedy that repeats itself when those who were once victims choose to become offenders. 'The pain you caused these children will follow them for the rest of their lives,” she said sternly.

The magistrate noted that the initial sentence was to be 30 years, but Matlale’s admission of guilt and expression of remorse influenced the court’s decision to reduce it to 20 years.

Still, she said the punishment should serve as a warning to others who prey on children. Prosecutor Sergeant Lennah Bannyaditse confirmed that both victims were neighbours of the accused and that the court is working with social workers to ensure psychological recovery.