Johannesburg – A security guard who assaulted a 14-year-old girl on his very first day at a complex in Florida has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court.
On Monday, 4 August 2025, the court delivered the sentence to 26-year-old Mpho Antonio Lebona.
Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed that the crime took place in January 2021.
“The victim managed to escape and immediately reported the incident to other residents, which led to the swift arrest of the accused at the scene, where he faced charges of rape,” Mjonondwane explained.
Investigations conducted by Sergeant Baloyi validated that the incident occurred on the first day of Lebona’s employment.
His responsibilities included monitoring access to the communal washing area of the complex.
The 14-year-old girl, a resident of the complex, asked Lebona to unlock the washing area.
“While the victim’s parents were at work, the accused locked the door behind them, assaulted her, and inflicted a bite wound on her neck,” Mjonondwane remarked.
Throughout the trial, evidence underscored the significant impact of the crime, with the victim providing a thorough and harrowing account of the assault.
The accused admitted to being with the 14-year-old girl but maintained that their encounter was consensual.
However, Magistrate Thelma Simpson found his testimony entirely false and implausible, ultimately convicting him of rape.
Prior to sentencing, Regional Court Prosecutor Claude Payne presented victim impact statements from both the child and her mother, detailing their trauma.
Consequently, the Magistrate sentenced Lebona to life imprisonment for this heinous crime.
