LIFE SENTENCE FOR TRIPLE RAPE AFTER BRUTAL HIJACKING ATTEMPT

05 November 2025

LIFE SENTENCE FOR TRIPLE RAPE AFTER BRUTAL HIJACKING ATTEMPT

The Westonaria Regional Court has sentenced 32-year-old Solomon Pelembe to life imprisonment for kidnapping and raping a 26-year-old victim three times after a violent attempted hijacking in Simunye on 29 January 2025. The Police investigations led by Constable Simon Mabelane revealed that the attack began when Pelembe smashed a brick into the motorist’s face at the T-junction. He struggled for the car keys and took out a firearm, allowing passengers to flee while trapping the victim in the vehicle.

The accused dragged the victim to a park, raped her twice, then forced her to his room where he raped her again. She escaped after he fell asleep, and he was arrested the same day. DNA evidence linked him to the crimes, forcing him to shift from denial to claiming consensual sex. A Victim Impact Statement revealed the victim’s aggression, self-blame, nightmares, and deep hurt.

Regional Court Prosecutor Moses Tshamano argued the accused is violent, a danger to society and also highlighted the national outcry over gender-based violence and therefore he should be sentenced to life imprisonment because he has shown no remorse. The court sentenced the accused to life for the rapes, one year for kidnapping and four years for attempted vehicle robbery, with the magistrate condemning rape as an epidemic.

The NPA welcomes the sentence as these cases provide some justice and closure to the victims and their families and remove violent criminals from our streets. 

Issued by:

Phindi Mjonondwane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division, Johannesburg

Tel: 083 402 4787 / 011 220 4245

Email: hmjonondwane@npa.gov.za