South African Pastor Sentenced to Life for Raping 12-Year-Old Orphan

Meticulous investigation by D/Sgt Isaac Ntsepe

A 47-year-old pastor, Albert Tamasane, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Regional Court in Edenburg, south of Bloemfontein, South Africa, for the rape and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the conviction on two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following a harrowing case of abuse that lasted several months.

The crimes began in March 2019 after the victim and her mother moved in with Tamasane and his wife, who was also their church pastor. Following the mother’s death, the child remained in the pastor’s care, where the abuse escalated. The assaults occurred when the pastor’s wife was away on night shifts, continuing until November 2019 when the traumatized victim finally disclosed the abuse to the pastor’s wife. The matter was reported to the police, leading to Tamasane’s arrest on five counts of rape.

During the trial, Regional Court Prosecutor Leon Ehlers argued that Tamasane showed no remorse for his actions, emphasizing the profound breach of trust. As a spiritual leader, the pastor was expected to protect the vulnerable, not exploit them. Ehlers stressed the gravity of the betrayal, particularly as the victim’s mother had entrusted him with her child’s care before her passing. The prosecutor described Tamasane as a danger to society and urged the court to impose the harshest penalty.

The court sentenced Tamasane to life imprisonment for the first count of rape, an additional life term for the second rape count, and five years for sexual assault. The sentences for counts two and three will run concurrently with the first.

The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to fighting gender-based violence (GBV), ensuring perpetrators face the full might of the law. Through strong prosecutions and collaboration with law enforcement, the NPA aims to hold offenders accountable, protect vulnerable groups, and restore public trust in the justice system.