RAPIST SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT
03 October 2025
RAPIST SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT
Galeshewe, Northern Cape – The Galeshewe Regional Court has sentenced Hughlin Swarts (24) to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for rape, in terms of Section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997. The court further ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The conviction stems from an incident on 8 August 2024, when Swarts, who was known to the 33-year-old victim as a close friend of her late brother, arrived at her home late at night following an argument with his family. Out of trust and compassion, she allowed him into her one-room shack and provided him with a place to sleep. While the victim was asleep, Swarts attacked her, choking her before forcibly undressing and raping her. After the ordeal, the traumatised victim managed to escape and ran naked to her neighbour’s house, screaming for help. The neighbour, who later testified as the first witness, confirmed that the victim arrived visibly distressed and crying. Police were called, and the victim was taken for immediate medical treatment and later supported with counselling services. During the trial, Swarts pleaded not guilty, insisting that the act was consensual. However, under cross-examination by the State, he contradicted himself repeatedly.
The court found the victim to be a credible and reliable single witness, with her testimony free of contradictions. In aggravation, Regional Court Prosecutor Shareen Links argued that Swarts had betrayed the victim’s trust, as she regarded him as a brother figure. A Victim Impact Statement (VIS), facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lindokuhle Sikhakhane, was also read into the record, highlighting the devastating psychological toll of the crime. The victim revealed that she even attempted suicide after the rape, but was fortunately saved through counselling.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape welcomes this sentence, which reflects the seriousness of sexual offences and the profound breach of trust committed by the accused. “This case demonstrates the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence face the full might of the law. We commend the courage of the victim, whose testimony ensured justice was done,” said Mojalefa Senokoatsane, NPA Regional Spokesperson.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539