LIFE IMPRISONMENT PLUS TEN YEARS FOR DELAREYVILLE SERIAL RAPIST
27 August 2025
LIFE IMPRISONMENT PLUS TEN YEARS FOR DELAREYVILLE SERIAL RAPIST
Atamelang, North West – The Atamelang Regional Court has convicted and sentenced a 28-year-old man, Katlego Patrick Jacobs, to an effective life sentence and 10 years imprisonment behind bars for two separate sexual offences- life imprisonment for rape committed in 2018, and 10 years for rape committed in 2019. He was declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name will be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders, underscoring the NPA’s unwavering commitment to fighting gender-based violence (GBV).
On 12 November 2018, Jacobs was in the company of his two male friends when they accosted the victim together with her partner. They were accosted on their way home from a nearby tavern in Matshelapad, a township around Delareyville, at around 10:00 PM. Investigations revealed that his two friends approached the boyfriend and chased him away by threatening him. As a result, Jacobs managed to forcefully undress the complainant whilst the two friends were on a lookout and raped her. She managed to go home and reported the ordeal to her family, and the police were subsequently called, and the rape was reported.
In December 2019, Jacobs met another victim who was 34 years old at the time, whilst she was on her way to hitch-hike from Delareyville to Matshelapad, a nearby township around Delareyville. He stopped the victim and forcefully took her to a nearby abandoned house, where she was sexually assaulted. The following day, the victim reported the rape to the police. Jacobs was not known to either victim. The DNA report linked him to both cases, which led to his arrest in August 2024, and he has been in custody since.
In court, Jacobs pleaded guilty on both counts and was convicted on his guilty plea. In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Advocate Edward Manicus, argued that there were no compelling and substantial circumstances adduced by the defence for the court to deviate from the applicable minimum sentences on both counts, further stressing the accused person's disregard for the law and women who are amongst the most vulnerable members of our society. In his ruling, Regional Court Magistrate Stephan Du Toit emphasised the alarming and exponential growth of rape within our society as well as the court’s duty to protect vulnerable members of society.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life sentence and additional ten years handed down to the convicted rapist as a strong reaffirmation of the justice system’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of victims of sexual violence. The victims were provided with immediate support and were subsequently referred to the Mahikeng Thuthuzela Care Centre, where they received comprehensive medical, emotional and legal support. The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Advocate Manicus and all role players for securing the conviction. The DPP emphasised the need for community cooperation with authorities in reporting any acts of gender-based violence. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains committed to ensuring accountability and fighting gender-based violence in South Africa.
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer
North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
078 172 9367