LESOTHO NATIONAL SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE
16 February 2026
LESOTHO NATIONAL SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE
The Sterkspruit Regional Court has sentenced Retsidisitsoe Makhabane (25), an undocumented Lesotho national, to 25 years’ direct imprisonment after convicting him of rape for an incident that occurred on 10 September 2023 in Tienbak Locality, Sterkspruit. The court heard that the 14-year-old victim had been sent to a nearby shop when she encountered the accused, who began questioning her and attempted to persuade her to accompany him to another location. When she refused, he dragged and strangled her, preventing her from screaming for help, and forcibly took her to a nearby shack.
Once inside, the accused pushed the victim against the door, forcefully undressed her and raped her. The victim attempted to resist, including biting the assaulter on the neck, but he overpowered her and continued with the assault. The man later fell asleep, enabling the victim to flee. While walking home, two women noticed her crying and enquired about what had happened. They returned with her to the shack, but the rapist had already fled the scene. They reported the incident to the police, and he was arrested at his home on the following day.
Makhabane pleaded not guilty. State Prosecutor Anele Magibile presented the evidence of the victim, a first report witness and the J88 medical report, which corroborated the victim’s account of the rape. The State’s case demonstrated that the sexual encounter was forced and non-consensual, as the accused had pleaded.
In his defence, the accused called a witness to support his version. However, the witness distanced himself from the accused’s account and did not corroborate his defence. The court found the State’s evidence credible and reliable, rejected the accused’s version as improbable, and subsequently found him guilty as charged. In addition to the 25-year term of imprisonment, the court declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm, ordered that his particulars be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, and ruled that he may not work with children. As a Lesotho national, the court further ordered that he be deported to his country of origin upon completion of his sentence.
Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, commended the prosecution and investigation teams for their work in securing justice. “This sentence sends a strong message that sexual offences will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be held accountable. Rape is a grave violation of a person’s dignity, bodily integrity and fundamental human rights, and it leaves lasting emotional and psychological trauma for victims.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains resolute in its commitment to vigorously prosecute gender-based violence and ensure that survivors are protected and supported through the criminal justice process. We also commend the victim for her courage in reporting the crime and testifying in court, which contributed to securing this conviction,” said Madolo. He further acknowledged the role of the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Rapuleng, for his diligent work in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.
The NPA reiterates its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are held accountable and justice is served for all victims.
Issued by:
Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Eastern Cape Division
Tel: 0475012630
Cell: 0735559292
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za
Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za/0682682473