GEORGE NEWS - Two men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for rape in separate incidents investigated by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units in Beaufort West and George.
In the first case, the Thembalethu Magistrate’s Court sentenced a 35-year-old man to 20 years’ imprisonment for rape and kidnapping on Thursday 16 October.
The case followed an incident on 25 February 2024, when a 29-year-old woman was walking along Vulindlela Street in Thembalethu.
The man forced her into a nearby house, where he raped her. He was arrested shortly afterwards and remained in custody throughout his trial
In an unrelated case, the Beaufort West Regional Court handed a 22-year-old man two life sentences and an additional 30 years’ imprisonment on Monday 13 October.
The man was convicted of two separate rape cases that took place at Old Golden Camp in Beaufort West last year.
On 27 April 2024, at around 07:00, he threatened and raped a 16-year-old girl before stealing her cellphone and fleeing. Just two weeks later, on 12 May, he attacked and raped an 18-year-old woman at the same spot, again robbing her of her phone.
DNA evidence linked the accused to both crimes, resulting in his conviction and sentencing.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile welcomed both sentences, praising the investigation and prosecution teams for their dedication.
“These convictions send a clear message that perpetrators of sexual violence will face the full might of the law,” he said.
Constable Buyiswa Sifuba (left) and Warrant Officer Ludwe Dlambulo of the Beaufort West FCS.
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