Seshego Mother Saved by Neighbours as Son Attacks Her

A 32-year-old man from Seshego, Limpopo, will spend the rest of his life in prison after attempting to rape his own mother. The Seshego Regional Court sentenced him to life imprisonment for attempted rape and an additional 10 years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

How the attack unfolded

According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the attack took place on the night of 5 February 2024. The man confronted his mother inside their home in Seshego Extension and tried to rape her in the passage.

The woman fought back and screamed for help. Her cries alerted neighbours, who rushed in and rescued her. She had also been beaten by her son during the ordeal.

Police arrested the suspect on the same day, and the case was handed to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit. Sergeant Nation Teffo led the investigation, opposing bail and securing a conviction.

Court ruling

The court imposed a life sentence for attempted rape and a further 10 years for assault. The man was also declared unfit to own a firearm, and his name will be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.

A wider pattern of family violence

This case comes only weeks after a 64-year-old father from Mamelodi received a life sentence for repeatedly raping his daughter over nearly a decade, starting when she was nine years old. The court barred him from working with children, placed his name on the sex offenders’ register, and ordered an inquiry into the safety of his grandchildren.

Community response

Local residents in Seshego have expressed shock at the brutality of the incident, with many praising the quick actions of the neighbours who stepped in to save the mother. On social media, some users have highlighted the need for stronger awareness campaigns on family violence, pointing out that abuse often occurs within homes, hidden from public view.

Why this matters

Family-based sexual offences remain one of South Africa’s most underreported crimes. According to SAPS annual crime statistics, sexual violence involving relatives accounts for a significant proportion of reported cases. Community intervention, as in Seshego, often makes the difference between survival and tragedy.

{Source: IOL}

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