TWO MEN SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND KIDNAPPING OF A YOUNG WOMAN

04 September 2025

TWO MEN SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND KIDNAPPING OF A YOUNG WOMAN

Keimoes, Northern Cape – The Regional Court sitting in Upington has convicted and sentenced To Zamile Verster (29) and Reggie April (24) for the rape and kidnapping of a 24-year-old woman from Keimoes. The sentencing was delivered today, 04 September 2025.

The incident occurred in the late-night hours of 24 January 2020, when the two accused attacked the complainant’s home in Keimoes. They threw stones at the house, forcing her boyfriend to flee for help. Verster then threatened the complainant with a knife, dragged her from the house, and raped her in a nearby vineyard. He subsequently took her to an abandoned building, where he continued the assault. April, present throughout, actively participated by threatening her with a knife, demanding sex, and acting as a lookout while Verster raped her. The court found both men guilty of rape and kidnapping, ruling they acted in common purpose.

The trial faced delays when April absconded, leading to an arrest warrant. He was traced in 2024, allowing the case to proceed to a conclusion. During sentencing, Regional Court Prosecutor Mzukisi Twani argued that the brutal and inhumane crimes left the complainant with lifelong trauma and fear. He emphasised that, though April did not directly rape the victim, his role in a common purpose warranted equal accountability.

The court imposed the following sentences: Verster, 22 years’ imprisonment for rape and 5 years for kidnapping, and April, 15 years’ imprisonment for rape and 5 years for kidnapping.

Chief Public Prosecutor for the Upington Cluster, Armando Damarah, commended the prosecution and investigating teams for ensuring justice despite challenges. This case underscores the NPA’s commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) in the Northern Cape, sending a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated. The NPA aggressively prosecutes these offences, protecting the constitutional rights to dignity and privacy of victims. Ends.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Northern Cape Division

Email: MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za

Tel: 073 423 3539