KEY POINTS
- The Free State mother sentenced to five years of correctional supervision after she sexually abused her son.
- The convicted offender must keep away from working with children while also becoming part of the sexual offenders database.
- Victims who come forward to reveal their abuse experiences receive praise from activism groups.
A 52-year-old Free State mother sentenced after she sexually abused her son throughout three years.
Police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle confirmed that the Bayswater Bloemfontein neighborhood suffered sexual abuse of the boy from January 2020 until December 2023 when he was 12 years old.
The court convicted the biological mother for sexual offenses after confirming she used her son for sexual assault activities according to Earle. A severe trust violation occurred through the victim’s mother who sexually assaulted and raped her son during a three-year period.
The court conviction succeeded through extensive investigations conducted by Constable du Preez and proper prosecution efforts from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Court imposes correctional supervision and registry listing
A court handed down a 60-month correctional supervision to the woman through the application of Section 276(1)(h) in the Criminal Procedure Act. The court ruling includes registry listing to National Registry of Sexual Offenders as well as formal declaration of the applicant’s incapability to work with minors in future.
This case increases nationwide awareness about gender-based violence against children because authorities recognize the importance of safeguarding children even when they reside with their families.
Broader call for accountability in sexual offence cases
A teenage woman stood trial at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court in 2023 for reportedly assaulting a teenage male student. Gender-based violence activist Reverend June Dolley-Major indicated her satisfaction with victims who are now choosing to report their cases.
The activist emphasized that “Rape maintain its nature as rape which qualifies every offender for justice.” Victims being brave enough to speak out continues to bring satisfaction because the case resulted in an arrest.
According to Dolley-Major the battle against sexual violence demands victims to speak up because justice needs to be pursued without consideration of perpetrator identification.
