FROM THE COURTS: The Virginia Regional Court has sentenced a 24‑year‑old man to an effective 10 years imprisonment for raping his mother and grandmother in two separate incidents.

The crimes took place in Phomolong, Hennenman, during April and December 2025. Both cases were investigated by the Thabong Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, with Sergeant Moleboheng Molete and Warrant Officer Mia Engelbrecht leading the investigations.

Strong evidence presented in court by the investigators, together with prosecutor Chabane of the National Prosecuting Authority, resulted in the accused entering guilty pleas.

The accused was sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment on the first count. On the second count he received a 15 years imprisonment, with five years suspended. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning the accused will serve 10 years in prison.

Lejweleputswa District Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Tholie Afonso, welcomed the ruling, commending the thorough work of the FCS investigators and the prosecution team.

Meanwhile the Ficksburg FCS Unit, working together with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), has secured two life sentences for Kamal Ibrahim (53), a tuck shop owner from Caledon Park near Ficksburg, following his conviction for rape of three minor girls aged 9, 11 and 13 in January 2020.

In January 2020, the accused operated a tuck shop in Caledon Park, where he committed the offences against the three minors. After the incidents, he allegedly gave the victims sweets from his shop in an attempt to keep them silent.

The crimes came to light when one of the victims eventually disclosed the abuse to her parent, who reported the matter to the police. 

He was sentenced on Friday, 9 October 2026, by the Bethlehem Regional Court, to two life terms of imprisonment. The cases were investigated by Detective Sergeant Thabiso Kobeli of the Ficksburg FCS Unit.

The Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer and the prosecution team for their dedication in ensuring that justice was served.