By Palesa Matlala
- Scholar transport driver Retshidisitsoe Moletsane, 39, sentenced to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping 16-year-old passenger.
- Attacks happened in November 2020 after the victim finished the exam early, and when the driver insisted on taking her home.
A school transport driver who repeatedly raped a 16-year-old learner has been sentenced to life in prison by the Protea Magistrate’s Court.
Retshidisitsoe Moletsane, 39, was found guilty of raping the teenager on two separate occasions in November 2020, despite pleading not guilty to the charges.
The first attack happened after the victim finished writing her exam early and waited for other learners in the scholar’s taxi.
“The driver then followed her, undressed her, undressed himself and forcefully had sexual intercourse with the victim. He threatened that if she didn’t cooperate he will call other drivers to come and also rape her,” said Phindi Mjonodwane, Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson.
The second incident took place in the same month when Moletsane insisted on dropping the victim off at her home after school.
“He went to his friend’s house with the victim and upon arrival in his taxi he forcefully had sexual intercourse with her and thereafter the accused asked to use the bathroom, as he followed her inside and continued to rape her again,” said Mjonodwane.
The girl’s mother only discovered what happened months later when she noticed behavioural changes in her daughter, including several suicide attempts.
On one occasion, the learner collapsed while at school, and she ultimately told her mother about the incident.
Prosecutor Mmakgadi Mangena said Moletsane showed no remorse for his actions and argued that life imprisonment was the only appropriate sentence for someone who abused his position.
“This highlights the grave betrayal of trust, especially considering that the victim’s mothers trusted the accused to transport the victim to and from school, but he took advantage of her,” said Mangena.
Mjonodwane praised Mangena and investigating officer Sergeant Kunene for playing crucial roles in upholding the rights and safety of vulnerable people.
She added that the NPA will continue its commitment to support survivors of sexual violence and advocate for a society where every child is safe, protected and heard.
Pictured above: Court gavel.
Image source: File
