Bloemfontein mother sentenced for abusing minor son

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The court sentenced a 52-year-old mother from the Free State to correctional supervision for sexually abusing her minor son over three years.

Investigation and Arrest

According to South African Police Services, the abuse began when the boy was 12 and continued until he was 16.

The case came to light in February 2024 when the boy disclosed the abuse to a professional service provider.

This led to an investigation by Constable Jessica du Preez of the Parkroad Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit.

Police arrested the mother on 25 May 2024 following the investigation and charged her with sexual assault.

The court granted R10,000 bail and released the mother, despite the investigating officer initially opposing bail.

Authorities placed the boy into the care of his biological father.

Conviction and Sentence

After pleading guilty, the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court sentenced the mother to five years of correctional supervision under Section 276(1)(h) of the Criminal Procedure Act.

This sentence includes strict supervision, such as limited movement, restricted alcohol consumption, and regular monitoring.

Authorities added the mother’s details to the National Register of Sexual Offenders and deemed her unsuitable to work with children.

Activist’s Support for the Victim

IOL reported that, In a similar case, a young woman appeared at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court for the rape of a 16-year-old boy in the Western Cape in 2023.

Gender-based violence (GBV) activist Reverend June Dolley-Major expressed support for the victim.

“Rape is rape, and no one should be exempt from facing the consequences of their crime. I’m glad the victim spoke out, and that it was reported, leading to an arrest.” she said.