LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR TEMBISA MAN WHO HELD PARTNER CAPTIVE

Tembisa, Gauteng- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of 46-year-old Bhutan Sizwe Mlotshwa by the Tembisa Magistrates’ Court following the prolonged physical and sexual abuse of his intimate partner.

Mlotshwa was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape. He was also sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for attempted murder, five years’ imprisonment for kidnapping and 12 months’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act.

The offences were committed between July 2021 and March 2022 in Tembisa South, where Mlotshwa and the victim, who were in an intimate relationship, lived together as tenants.

The court heard that the victim informed Mlotshwa that she wanted to visit her family, but he objected, resulting in an argument. Mlotshwa became violent, assaulted the victim and locked her inside their room against her will.

Mlothswa would leave the victim locked inside the room when he went to work and threatened to kill her if she sought help. During her captivity, she was subjected to prolonged physical and sexual abuse.

Evidence presented by State Prosecutor Innocent Baloyi revealed that Mlotshwa repeatedly raped the victim without her consent. He also burned her with cigarettes and assaulted her on the head with an iron bar. The victim sustained serious injuries, including a broken leg.  Despite her pleas for Mlotshwa to take her to a doctor, he refused to seek medical assistance for her.

The victim eventually managed to seek help when a witness arrived at the residence looking for Mlotshwa while he was away. The witness assisted her in escaping and seeking help.

In welcoming the sentence, the NPA reiterates that violence against women, particularly within intimate relationships, constitutes a serious violation of the dignity, bodily integrity and safety of victims. 

The life sentence imposed in this matter reflects the gravity of the offences and the devastating consequences of gender-based violence.

The NPA remains committed to the vigorous prosecution of perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and to ensuring that victims are treated with dignity throughout the criminal justice process.

Prosecutors will continue to place compelling evidence before the courts and advocate for sentences that reflect the seriousness of these crimes.

Issued by:

Magaboke Mohlatlole

NPA Communications Officer

Gauteng Division, Johannesburg