Her statement comes after the sentencing of a man who raped the 4-year-old minor. The Premier's spokesperson, Sello Peterson, said that the 40-year-old Thabo William Mokoale was handed a life sentence at the Botshabelo Regional Court on Monday 6 September 2021 after he was found guilty for raping a 4-year-old child. He said that on 26 September 2020, Mokoale sent the 4-year-old girl, who was his neighbor, to the shops. He said that when the little girl returned from the shops, he locked her in the house and raped her. Peterson said the victim only released the little girl the following day after concerned family and community members were searching for her. He said that upon the child's return, she informed her parents about the incident and Mokoale was arrested the following day on 27 September 2020.

"Premier Ntombela welcomed the sentence, but also decried the abuse that children continue to be subjected to. She added Makoale has left his victim with long-term mental scars, which will require her to undergo intensive psychological therapy to finally lead a normal life," said Peterson.

Meanwhile, Ntombela thanked the law enforcement officers for their swift response in arresting the suspect, investigating the case, and also ensuring that the prosecutor gives the perpetrator a harsh sentence. She further thanked community members for showing support to the family through the difficult times and wished the child and the family well on their road to recovery.

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