Six rapists have been convicted after thorough investigations by the Phuthaditjhaba Family, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, together with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The six were accused of rape in outstanding cases that occurred between 2011 and 2023.
Between 25 June and 2 July, Phuthaditjhaba, Tseseng and Tseki Magistrates’ Courts handed over a total of 85 years of direct imprisonment to six rapists within Qwaqwa.
The first accused raped his girlfriend’s daughter, aged 14 years, at Tseki Village during September 2022, and he was sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment.
The second accused from Tseki Village raped the victim, aged 16, in July 2023 and was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment.
The third accused from Tseseng Village was sentenced to 18 years’ direct imprisonment for raping a 20-year-old woman at the river and robbed her of her cellphone at Makeneng Village, during January 2023.
A 25-year-old woman from Thibella section of Tseseng Village was caught and raped by another accused at a two-room house. He threatened her with a knife on her way home. He was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment.
In March 2011, a 17-year-old girl from Matebeleng Village was raped by one of the accused after he forced her into a house where he raped her and threatened her with a knife. He was sentenced to 12 years’ direct imprisonment.
In March 2023, a 22-year-old student from Phuthaditjhaba was walking home with another student when they were accosted by one of the rape accused, who caught one of the women and raped her.
The second female fled and summoned community members, who arrested the accused and handed him over to police. He was sentenced to ten years’ direct imprisonment.
