In a decisive ruling, the Burgersfort Regional Court on Wednesday, 03 September 2025, sentenced 28-year-old Makofane Matala Tolerate to 17 years of direct imprisonment for the rape of a 14-year-old schoolgirl. The court further ordered that his name be registered in the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The conviction stems from a traumatic incident that occurred on the afternoon of 15 May 2024. The court heard that the victim’s regular scholar transport was full, and the driver instructed her to find another way home. Tolerate, who also operated as a school transport driver, offered to take the victim to her home in the Ikhwezi village area.
After the minor entered the front passenger seat of his vehicle, Tolerate made inappropriate advances toward her. The victim explicitly told him she was a child, but he ignored her protests. Instead, he drove to a secluded area near Ikhwezi village, parked his car, and locked the doors.
The accused then proceeded to rape the child. When she attempted to resist by pushing him away, he began to strangle her. Fearing for her life, the victim was forced to submit to the assault. Following the rape, Tolerate drove the victim to her residence.
The victim initially did not report the crime. The following day, 16 May 2024, she contacted her sister and disclosed that she had been raped by the driver. The sister immediately informed their parents.
On 17 May 2024, the parents took their daughter to the Dilokong Thuthuzela Care Centre for essential medical attention and a forensic examination. They subsequently proceeded to the Burgersfort Police Station to formally open a rape case.
The investigation was transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and assigned to Detective Constable Julian Mphahlele. The suspect was arrested the following day.
Although the investigating officer opposed bail, the court granted Tolerate’s application. Despite this, Detective Constable Mphahlele, working closely with Public Prosecutor Mr. Ngoako Petlo, built a compelling case that ultimately led to a successful conviction and the substantial 17-year sentence.
