KURUMAN CHURCH PASTOR SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE

 KURUMAN CHURCH PASTOR SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE

Kuruman, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentencing of Peter Sechogela (67) of Tsineng to 20 years' direct imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court for the rape of an 11-year-old girl on 16 August 2016. Evidence before the court revealed that Sechogela went to the victim's home under the pretext of looking for her parents. Upon discovering that they were not at home, he remained on the premises. He subsequently followed the child into the house while she was resting and raped her.
The court heard that the accused was a pastor at the church attended by the victim and her family and was also a family friend of the victim's grandfather. His position of trust and authority within both the church and the broader community was considered a significant aggravating factor, as his actions constituted a gross betrayal of the confidence placed in him.
During the trial, Regional Court Prosecutor Kekeletso Lekota presented compelling evidence, including a Victim Impact Statement compiled with the assistance of Court Preparation Officer Beauty Moreng, who provided support to the victim throughout the court process. The statement detailed the profound and lasting impact the offence had on the victim's life.
The victim also received comprehensive support through the Kuruman Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), where she was provided with integrated, victim-centred services aimed at addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological consequences of the offence. The TCC played a critical role in ensuring that the victim received immediate medical care, trauma counselling, and ongoing psychosocial support while navigating the criminal justice process.
In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Lekota argued that the court should impose a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offence and society's condemnation of gender-based violence. She submitted that, as a church leader, the accused ought to have served as a moral guide and protector of vulnerable community members, rather than becoming the perpetrator of such a heinous crime.
Lekota further emphasised that gender-based violence continues to devastate communities across South Africa and that faith leaders have a responsibility to lead efforts to combat this scourge, not contribute to it through criminal conduct against vulnerable members of society.
The NPA welcomes the sentence imposed by the court, which sends a strong message that those who abuse positions of trust and authority to prey on vulnerable victims will face the full might of the law. The sentence also reaffirms the criminal justice system's commitment to holding perpetrators of sexual offences accountable while ensuring that the voices of victims are heard and considered through mechanisms such as Victim Impact Statements.
The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences without fear, favour, or prejudice.
Through initiatives such as the Thuthuzela Care Centre model, dedicated Sexual Offences Courts, and the expertise of prosecutors, Court Preparation Officers, and other criminal justice stakeholders, the NPA will continue to place victims at the centre of the justice process while ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held fully accountable.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division