Pretoria: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has expressed approval of the two life sentences given by the Pretoria Magistrates' Court to Muthi Lazarus Ratlhogo, a general worker at a primary school in Mamelodi West, Pretoria. According to South African Government News Agency, Ratlhogo was convicted of two counts of rape involving a seven-year-old learner. The court also mandated that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. Ratlhogo, employed as a gardener at the school, committed the first offense on 09 July 2019. After the child was dropped off at school with her brother and before other students arrived, Ratlhogo called her to the school storeroom, locked the door, arranged two small chairs, instructed her to lie down, and raped her. He then warned the victim not to disclose the incident. The second offense occurred on 11 July 2019 during break time when Ratlhogo again summoned the child, took her to the storeroom, and raped her . That evening, the child's mother observed her limping and walking with difficulty. Upon questioning, the child revealed the incidents, leading to Ratlhogo's arrest the following day after the matter was reported to the police. The minor was subsequently taken to the NPA's Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in Mamelodi for comprehensive support, including medical, psychological, and legal assistance. In court, Ratlhogo denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. However, the State Prosecutor, Mpho Monyane, provided compelling evidence, including testimonies from the child and her mother, which confirmed the State's case beyond a reasonable doubt. During sentencing, Ratlhogo sought leniency due to his age and health issues. Nonetheless, Prosecutor Monyane argued for two life sentences, highlighting the seriousness of the crimes, the gross breach of trust, and Ratlhogo's lack of remorse. Magistrate Mthimunye concurred with the State's perspective, noting the absence of substantial and compelling reasons to deviat e from the prescribed minimum sentence. Consequently, he imposed two life sentences, acknowledging Ratlhogo's lack of remorse. The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren, praised the efforts of Prosecutor Mpho Monyane, Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Maloma, and Case Manager at the Mamelodi TCC, Advocate Linda van Schalkwyk, in securing the conviction and sentence. She reaffirmed that addressing gender-based violence is a top priority for the NPA.