WESSELSBRON – The Wesselsbron Regional Court has thrown the book at convicted child sexual predator Tshepo Godfrey Letshabo, imposing four life sentences. The court further ordered that his details be placed in the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO), declaring him unfit to work with children.
The hefty sentence was handed down on Thursday, 30 October, after Letshabo was found guilty of raping four teenage boys aged 12 to 15 last year. Letshabo’s conviction and sentencing was a result of the Bultfontein police’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit working with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa.
An investigation revealed the victims were raped last year, at a rented shack dwelling in the Malebogo township in Hertzogville. An investigation was launched after the rape incidents came to light during May 2024.
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, spokesperson for the NPA, said Letshabo was sentenced to life imprisonment on each count of rape.
Letshabo operated a salon from the rented shack dwelling, which he had divided into a bedroom.
“He lured victims one and two with free haircuts. After trimming one boy’s hair, he dragged him into the bedroom for sexual acts; the second victim was witnessed through a gap before being violated. Victim three was fetched by the first two; unaware of what was happening, he was pulled in and raped. The fourth victim (12) related being called into the room and forced into sexual acts during a visit. Fear and shame silenced the boys until one confronted another, exposing the crimes. The victims testified courageously,” said Senokoatsane.
Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the Free State police, said investigative officer WO Ntomzoto Selemogo of the Bultfontein FCS Unit uncovered compelling evidence tying the accused to the raping of the four boys.
None of the victims initially reported the incidents, which were only discovered after one of the victims confided in his teacher about the assault.
“This successful conviction sends a clear message that crimes against children will be pursued with the utmost seriousness, and perpetrators will face the full might of the law,” said Kareli.
Senokoatsane said the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Free State has applauded Regional Court Prosecutor Mojela Masisi, Court Preparation Officer Nono Sebego, and Selemogo for ensuring the successful prosecution and sentencing of Letshabo.
“Masisi submitted Victim Impact Statements for all four victims, arguing that Letshabo was a dangerous predator targeting vulnerable children,” said Senokoatsane.
