EX-BOYFRIEND SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS PLUS 22 YEARS FOR GBV RELEATED CRIMES

29 April 2025

EX-BOYFRIEND SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS PLUS 22 YEARS FOR GBV RELEATED CRIMES

The Gqeberha Regional Court has sentenced Cheslyn Matroos (41) to two life sentences and 22 additional years of imprisonment after his conviction on multiple charges, including rape, attempted rape, assault, and kidnapping. These offenses were committed against his former partner, with whom he had a domestic relationship.

On 13 April 2024, Matroos forcibly took the complainant, aged 25 from her friend’s house in Windvogel and drove her to his home in Jacksonville, Gqeberha. Once there, Matroos assaulted her and raped her twice. He also attempted to rape her further.

The complainant managed to escape the following morning and ran to a friend’s house, where she asked to use a cell phone. However, she did not immediately tell her friend what had happened. The complainant contacted the police, and the matter was reported. Forensic examination conducted at the Thuthuzela Care Centre confirmed her injuries.

Matroos was arrested a few days later at his home. He claimed the sexual acts were consensual, asserting that they were still in a relationship and that the complainant had willingly accompanied him to his house. However, the court rejected this defence.

Arguing for an appropriate sentence, the State Prosecutor, Advocate Kenny Biljoin stated that the crimes were premeditated and inflicted severe trauma on the complainant. He emphasised the need for a strong sentence to reflect the seriousness of the offences and to send a clear message against gender-based violence.

Matroos was sentenced to life imprisonment for the two counts of rape, 15 years for attempted rape, two years for assault, and five years for kidnapping. He was also entered into the Sexual Offenders Register and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo welcomed the sentence, commending the complainant for her bravery in coming forward. The NPA continues to urge all victims of abuse to come forward and assures the public that it will vigorously prosecute perpetrators of gender-based violence.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Eastern Cape Division
Tel: 047 501 2630
Cell: 073 555 9292
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za
Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za/0682682473