Crime

MAN SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS AND 653 YEARS IN PRISON FOR 119 OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN

Lerato Mrali Published 5 seconds ago

6 min read

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A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to three terms of life imprisonment, together with an additional 653 years behind bars, after pleading guilty to 119 charges involving the rape, sexual abuse and exploitation of three children in the Free State.

Christiaan Francisco Fortleza van der Linde was sentenced by the Welkom Regional Court, which was sitting as a designated Sexual Offences Court, on Monday, 2 November 2026.

The offences were committed between 2015 and 2024 and involved a prolonged pattern of grooming, sexual abuse and exploitation of minor children.

According to details presented during the case, Van der Linde used positions of trust to gain access to his victims before gradually grooming and manipulating them.

The investigation established that his first victim was targeted between 2015 and 2020, when the child was between 12 and 17 years old. He later targeted a second child between 2022 and 2024, when the victim was between 11 and 14.

Both children were repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped over extended periods.

The abuse extended beyond the physical offences, with the accused also exploiting the children to produce child sexual abuse material. The material was reportedly sold and distributed through an online pornographic website.

Investigators further established that the accused manipulated one of the victims into creating sexually explicit material involving a third minor child, who was unaware that the material was being produced.

KIDNAPPING AND ATTEMPTED MURDER

The case also involved kidnapping, human trafficking and attempted murder.

After his crimes came to light, Van der Linde kidnapped and trafficked one of the victims. He subsequently attempted to kill the child and himself.

He also attempted to obstruct the investigation by damaging electronic devices and destroying evidence that could have linked him to the offences.

The investigation uncovered numerous charges relating to the grooming, sexual exploitation and abuse of the children, as well as the creation, possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

Van der Linde ultimately pleaded guilty to all 119 charges.

THREE LIFE SENTENCES AND AN ADDITIONAL 653 YEARS

The Welkom Regional Court imposed three life imprisonment sentences for the offences involving the rape of minors and human trafficking.

Additional prison sentences were imposed for the remaining offences, including sexual grooming, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, kidnapping, attempted murder, and offences relating to child sexual abuse material.

The additional sentences total 653 years and were ordered to run concurrently with the life imprisonment sentences.

The court also ordered that Van der Linde’s particulars be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

He was declared unfit to possess a firearm, prohibited from working with children and barred from possessing or using electronic devices while serving his sentence.

VICTIMS LEFT SEVERELY TRAUMATISED

During sentencing proceedings, the State presented four victim impact statements detailing the psychological and emotional consequences of the abuse for the children and their families.

The statements revealed that the victims had suffered severe trauma, with two of them reportedly becoming suicidal as a result of their experiences.

Prosecutor Elma van Niekerk argued that the offences were not isolated incidents but formed part of a prolonged pattern of calculated and manipulative behaviour.

The State also raised concerns about the whereabouts of the photographs and videos created during the abuse.

Police indicated that the material had not been fully accounted for, raising concerns that images and videos could still be circulating online and exposing the victims to further victimisation.

The court expressed shock at the nature of the offences and the accused’s exploitation of the children’s trust.

INVESTIGATION AND POLICE RESPONSE

The investigation was led by Warrant Officer Jessica Saayman of the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Solomon Lesia welcomed the sentence and praised the investigating officer, prosecution team and other role players involved in securing the convictions.

The case also highlighted the methods used by perpetrators to groom children, with investigators warning that offenders may initially rely on trust, attention, gifts and secrecy rather than physical force.

Parents and guardians have been urged to remain vigilant about children’s interactions with adults, including their online activities and communications.

Anyone who suspects that a child is being sexually abused or exploited is encouraged to report the matter to their nearest police station or the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

SAPS Crime Stop can also be contacted on 08600 10111, while Childline is available on 116.

OTHER NEWS

Car Burns Beyond Recognition After Brick Strikes Vehicle On N2 Near Somerset Mall

A motorist escaped a potentially serious incident after his vehicle was struck by a brick while travelling along the N2 near Somerset Mall in Somerset West, Western Cape, on Thursday night, 5 November 2026.

The impact reportedly caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which subsequently left the roadway, overturned and caught fire in a nearby field.

According to information provided by the driver at the scene, he was travelling in the direction of Cape Town when a brick struck his vehicle. The impact reportedly left him shocked and affected his ability to maintain control of the car.

The vehicle then veered off the N2 and rolled into a field alongside the highway. It caught alight shortly afterwards and was eventually burnt beyond recognition.

A significant police presence was observed at the scene, with senior police officials and investigators attending to the incident.

The driver, who was visibly shaken following the ordeal, was able to provide an account of what had happened.

In addition to the destruction of his vehicle, the motorist reportedly lost several personal belongings during the incident.

His cellphone, identity document and passport were among the items reported missing. According to the information provided, the belongings had fallen out of the vehicle when it overturned and were subsequently stolen from the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the reported theft of the belongings are also of concern, as the motorist was left without several important personal documents following the incident.

No arrests had been made at the time the incident was reported.

The circumstances surrounding the brick-throwing incident, including who was responsible and what led to the vehicle being struck, remain unclear.

The incident once again highlights the dangers motorists face when travelling along the N2, particularly after dark, where objects thrown at moving vehicles can have devastating consequences.

The driver survived the ordeal, but his vehicle was destroyed and several personal belongings were reportedly taken.