Pretoria Scholar Transport Driver Gets Life Imprisonment For Raping Nine-Year-Old Girl He Lured To His Home

A 41-year-old scholar transport driver from Pretoria has been handed a life sentence for the rape of a nine-year-old girl whom he lured to his residence. Given Mpho Mphahlele appeared before the Pretoria Regional Court on Tuesday, 29 July 2026, where the judgment was delivered. At the time of the offence, he had been employed in his role as a scholar transport driver for a mere two months.

The harrowing details of the case emerged during proceedings, revealing how Mphahlele exploited his position of trust. He instructed a seven-year-old boy he was transporting to tell his sister to come to his house. The children subsequently informed their mother that they were going out to play and instead followed Mphahlele to his home.

Once inside the residence, Mphahlele sent the young boy to a nearby shop. It was during this time that he committed the rape against the nine-year-old girl. Following the assault, he dressed both himself and the child before issuing a chilling threat to kill the victim's mother if she ever revealed what had happened.

Court Hears How Scholar Transport Driver Abused Position Of Trust In Rape Case

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana outlined the gravity of the offender's actions. "Mphahlele then dressed both himself and the child and threatened to kill the victim's mother if she disclosed the incident," Mahanjana stated. Before allowing the children to leave, he gave them a mere R4 to purchase chicken heads from a local vendor.

The truth remained buried for approximately one month until the child experienced an emotional breakdown while running an errand. It was at this point that she finally disclosed the rape to her mother, who immediately reported the matter to the police.

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The young victim was subsequently referred to the Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre, where she received crucial medical attention and psychological support following the traumatic ordeal.

Mphahlele was arrested on 19 August 2021, bringing an end to his freedom. The case against him proceeded through the courts, with the State building a strong case to ensure justice for the young complainant.

Life Sentence Imposed After Court Rejects Leniency Plea For Rape Offender

During the sentencing phase, Mphahlele made a plea to the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

He cited his status as the sole breadwinner for his three children as a compelling reason for leniency. However, the State opposed this application vigorously, arguing that the accused had displayed no genuine remorse for his actions.

The prosecution further contended that Mphahlele had egregiously abused a position of trust. "Instead, he abused that trust and violated the innocence and dignity of a vulnerable child," Mahanjana emphasised during the proceedings. The court ultimately concurred with the State's submission.

The presiding magistrate found no compelling and substantial circumstances to justify any departure from the minimum sentence. Consequently, the court imposed the harshest penalty available under the law, sentencing Mphahlele to life imprisonment.

NPA Reaffirms Commitment To Prosecuting Sexual Offences Against Children

Following the sentencing, the NPA reiterated its dedication to prosecuting sexual offences against children with the utmost vigour. Mahanjana highlighted the importance of the Thuthuzela Care Centres in providing integrated support for victims of gender-based violence. These centres offer a holistic approach, combining medical, psychological, and legal assistance under one roof.

The successful prosecution in this case serves as a stern warning to those who prey on vulnerable minors. The NPA has urged victims of GBV to utilise the services available at Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country. The organisation remains steadfast in its mission to secure justice for survivors and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.