–as she sentences man to 10 years without parole
Hopolang Mokhopi
MASERU Magistrate, Puseletso McPherson, has delivered a strong warning against child abusers, stressing that children were vulnerable and depended on parents and the wider community for protection.
She made the remarks yesterday while sentencing Ntuta Ranthana to 10 years’ imprisonment for raping a four-year-old boy. The court heard that the accused unlawfully and intentionally committed a sexual offence against the child on 5 November 2025.
Crown Prosecutor Advocate Shebe described the offence as heinous and long-lasting in its impact. She told the court that Lesotho’s laws placed the safety and protection of children above all else, recognising their dependence on guardians and the community.
“The accused relied on the very law meant to protect children but chose not to uphold that responsibility. Instead, he violated the child’s trust and the belief that every child belongs to the community,” Adv Shebe said.
She added that the offence had instilled fear within the community and called for a lengthy custodial sentence to ensure the safety of children.
Adv Shebe further noted a disturbing trend in sexual offences against minors, saying both girls and boys were increasingly at risk, sometimes even from within their own families. She argued that the accused showed no remorse throughout the trial, having neither apologised nor expressed regret.
“The absence of remorse underscores the seriousness of the offence and the need for the maximum penalty,” she said, urging the court to impose a 10-year sentence without the option of parole, as prescribed under Section 32 of the Sexual Offences Act.
Although the court heard that the accused supported an elderly father and siblings, the prosecution maintained that such circumstances could not mitigate the gravity of the crime.
In her ruling, Magistrate McPherson said she had considered all the evidence before the court, highlighting the young age of the victim.
“Every child in Lesotho is regarded as belonging to the community. Any harm inflicted on one child affects us all,” she said.
She described the abuse as cruel and traumatic, noting that the child vividly recalled the ordeal while testifying, an indication of the lasting emotional impact.
“The court prays that the child receives proper counselling to aid his recovery,” she added.
The magistrate further noted that the accused ignored the child’s cries and committed the offence twice, demonstrating a lack of compassion.
“In accordance with Section 32 of the Sexual Offences Act, this court sentences the accused to 10 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine,” Magistrate McPherson ruled.
