The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the two life sentences handed down by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court to Muthi Lazarus Ratlhogo, a general worker at a primary school in Mamelodi West in Pretoria.
This is after Ratlhogo was convicted of two counts of rape of a seven-year-old learner. The court further ordered that his name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
“Ratlhogo worked as a gardener at the school. On 09 July 2019, shortly after the victim was dropped off at school with her brother and before other learners had arrived, Ratlhogo called the child to the school storeroom.
“He locked the door, placed two small chairs together, instructed her to lie down and raped her. He warned the child not to tell anyone,” said the NPA in a statement on Friday.
On 11 July 2019, during break time, Ratlhogo again called the minor victim, took her to the storeroom and raped her for the second time. That same evening, the child’s mother noticed she was limping and walking with difficulty.
“Upon questioning, the child broke down and disclosed that the school gardener had raped her. The matter was immediately reported to the police, and Ratlhogo was arrested the following day, 12 July 2019,” the NPA said.
The minor victim was taken to the NPA’s Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in Mamelodi, where she received comprehensive support, including medical, psychological and legal assistance.
In court, Ratlhogo pleaded not guilty and denied the offences. However, the State Prosecutor, Mpho Monyane, presented strong evidence, including the testimony of the child and her mother, which proved the State’s case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“During sentencing proceedings, Ratlhogo pleaded for leniency because of his age and that he is taking chronic medication. Prosecutor Monyane, however, argued for two life sentences, emphasising the seriousness of the offences, the gross breach of trust and the fact that Ratlhogo showed no remorse,” the NPA said.
She highlighted that as a school employee, he was in a position of trust and was expected to protect learners, yet he violated a child twice and stole her innocence.
Magistrate Mthimunye agreed with the State and found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. He noted Ratlhogo's lack of remorse and imposed two life sentences.
The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren, commended the dedication of Prosecutor Mpho Monyane, Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Maloma, and Case Manager at the Mamelodi TCC, Advocate Linda van Schalkwyk, for their role in securing the conviction and sentence.
She reiterated that combating gender-based violence remains a top priority for the NPA. – SAnews.gov.za
