15-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR RAPE FOLLOWING NIGHT OF DRINKING

19 May 2025

15-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR RAPE FOLLOWING NIGHT OF DRINKING

Kuruman, Northern Cape – The Kuruman Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Tshwarelo Maibere (28) from Sedibeng, near Kuruman, to 15 years' imprisonment for rape, in terms of Section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997.

The incident occurred on 12 January 2023, when the accused and the 23-year-old victim were at a local tavern. Upon leaving the venue, Maibere followed the complainant and proposed a romantic relationship, which she rejected. He then forcibly picked her up, covered her mouth to silence her, and carried her to an abandoned house. There, he dragged her into a toilet, and when she resisted by biting his ear, he bit her on the chest in retaliation. Despite her protests and visible pain, he made lewd remarks and proceeded to sexually violate her by inserting his finger into her genitals.

The complainant managed to escape, later reported the incident to the police, and the accused was arrested and charged with rape.

In handing down the sentence, the court acknowledged that Maibere was a first-time offender and under the influence of alcohol during the incident. These factors were taken into account in deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence.

Maibere was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment, with 3 years suspended for 5 years, on condition that he is acquitted of a similar offence during the suspension period.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains gravely concerned about the role of excessive alcohol consumption in the perpetration of serious crimes, particularly gender-based violence. The NPA reiterates its unwavering commitment to prosecuting such offences and urges communities to reject violence in all its forms and promote responsible behaviour.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson – Northern Cape Division
Email: MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
Contact: 073 423 3539