PAROLEE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING HIS EX-PARTNER
04 August 2025
PAROLEE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING HIS EX-PARTNER
Tlhabane, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Tlhabane Regional Court to Ben Sedireng Jacobs (54) for the rape of his 24-year-old ex-girlfriend. He was also sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for kidnapping. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently with the life sentence, in terms of Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
The charges stem from a tragic incident on 04 October 2024, in Tlhabane near Rustenburg. Evidence presented in court revealed that the victim, who cannot be named to protect her identity, was walking in a secluded area when she was accosted by Jacobs. He began strangling and physically assaulting her, biting her cheek so severely that the wound extended inside her mouth. Jacobs then dragged the victim to a friend’s residence, where he asked to spend the night. Though initially reluctant, the friend eventually agreed and provided a shack at the back of the property. Jacobs then sexually assaulted the victim throughout the night. The next day, the victim reported the incident to the police, and Jacobs was arrested. He has been in custody since. Despite pleading not guilty, Jacobs was convicted based on overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution. It also emerged during the trial that Jacobs had a previous conviction for rape and was out on parole at the time of the offence.
In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Orlinah Mputla argued that the court needed to protect women and children from individuals like the accused. She urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, highlighting the severity of the injuries and the permanent physical and emotional scars inflicted on the complainant.
In her judgment, Magistrate Shibu Mamabolo emphasised that the community must be protected from offenders of this nature. She noted the accused’s lack of remorse and his deliberate targeting of a vulnerable individual. The NPA welcomes the sentence as a reaffirmation of the justice system’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of victims of sexual violence.
Welcoming the outcome, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended Prosecutor Mputla, the investigating officer, and all members of the criminal justice system who played a pivotal role in securing this conviction. The NPA remains committed to fighting gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer
North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
078 172 9367