TWO MEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE

14 May 2025

TWO MEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE

Zeerust, South Africa – The Zeerust Regional Court has sentenced Gopolang Seikaneng (34) to life imprisonment for rape and an additional eight years for attempted rape. Jacob Mosimane Sebogodi (42) received two life sentences for two counts of rape. The court ordered that all sentences run concurrently, and both accused have been added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The convictions relate to an incident on the evening of 11 March 2021 at a local tavern in Zeerust. Evidence presented in court revealed that the accused promised two young women, both aged 21 at the time, that they would provide transport to their homes in Gopane village. While en route, the accused instructed the victims to exit the vehicle and escorted them to an abandoned house.

At the abandoned property, both men took turns raping one of the victims. Sebogodi then took the same victim to his residence and raped her again the following morning before returning her to the same abandoned house. Seikaneng took the second victim to his residence, where he attempted to rape her.

Following a swift investigation, both accused were arrested on 19 March 2021. The victims positively identified them, and they were denied bail and remained in custody until sentencing.

Both men pleaded not guilty but were convicted based on overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution. In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Ntebaleng Mabale emphasised the high prevalence of gender-based violence and the vulnerability of women and young people in South Africa. Advocate Mabale presented two Victim Impact Statements, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Thembinkosi Madiba, detailing the profound physical and psychological trauma suffered by the victims. He urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

In his judgment, Regional Court Magistrate Okaeng Mothibi noted the lack of remorse shown by the accused and their deliberate targeting of vulnerable individuals. He affirmed the need for the courts to protect victims and send a strong message of deterrence.

Welcoming the sentences, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the collaborative efforts of the South African Police Service, the prosecution team, and all stakeholders involved. She emphasised that the outcome serves as a significant deterrent to perpetrators of gender-based violence.

Issued by:

Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer – North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
078 172 9367