Burgersfort: The Burgersfort Regional Court has sentenced Makofane Matala Tolerate, aged 28, to 17 years of direct imprisonment for the rape of a 14-year-old schoolgirl. The sentencing took place on Wednesday, 03 September 2025, and includes the addition of Tolerate’s name to the Child Sexual Offences Register.
According to South African Police Service, the incident occurred on 15 May 2024, at approximately 17:00, when the victim’s regular scholar transport was full. The driver instructed her to seek alternative transportation, leading her to accept a ride from Tolerate, who operated as another school transport driver. After the victim entered the front passenger seat, Tolerate made inappropriate advances, which she resisted by asserting her age. Ignoring her protests, Tolerate drove to a secluded area near Ikhwezi village and locked the vehicle doors before committing the assault.
The victim initially refrained from reporting the incident. However, on 16 May 2024, she disclosed the event to her sister, who
informed their mother. The family sought medical attention for the victim at Dilokong Thuthuzela Care Centre before reporting the crime at Burgersfort Police Station on 17 May 2024.
The case was then transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, where Detective Constable Julian Mphahlele was assigned to investigate. Although the investigating officer opposed bail, the court granted it to the accused. Detective Constable Mphahlele, in collaboration with Public Prosecutor Mr. Ngoako Petlo, was instrumental in the conviction and sentencing of Tolerate.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed approval of the sentence, emphasizing its role as a warning to those who prey on children. She highlighted the significance of the 17-year sentence and the registration in the Child Sexual Offences Register as measures to protect communities and monitor offenders upon release. Lieutenant General Hadebe also praised the efforts of Detective Constable Mphahle
le and Prosecutor Petlo in securing justice for the victim and urged parents and communities to report suspicious behavior involving children.