KROONSTAD REGIONAL COURT SENTENCES MAN TO 32 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE AND RELATED OFFENCES
25 SEPTEMBER 2025
KROONSTAD REGIONAL COURT SENTENCES MAN TO 32 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE AND RELATED OFFENCES
Kroonstad, Free State – The Kroonstad Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Thabang Jacob Masike (28) to an effective 32 years’ imprisonment for multiple offences, including rape, kidnapping, assault, intimidation, and malicious injury to property. The incident occurred on 3 March 2022 in Edenville, a small farming town in the Fezile Dabi District, Northern Free State. The complainant and her boyfriend were asleep when Masike, armed with a panga, confronted them. He accused the complainant’s boyfriend’s sister of infecting him with HIV. He then forced the complainant to tie her boyfriend’s hands with a jersey before restraining him further with an electric cord. Masike assaulted the boyfriend with the panga and forced him into another room. Masike then abducted the complainant and her 18-month-old baby and raped her in a nearby field. The boyfriend managed to free himself and fled. The following day, the complainant reported the matter to the police and pointed out the accused, leading to his arrest.
During the trial, Masike claimed that the sexual act was consensual, but the court rejected this defence. He was convicted on all charges and sentenced as follows: Counts 1, 2 and 4 (Malicious Injury to Property, Assault, Intimidation): 4 years’ imprisonment (taken together for sentencing), Count 3 (Kidnapping): 3 years’ imprisonment, Count 5 (Rape): 25 years’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole, in terms of Section 276B of Act 51 of 1977 and The court also ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Kholofelo Tlhaloane handed in a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Seloane Lenkoane, which detailed the devastating emotional and psychological consequences suffered by the survivor.
The NPA applauds the sterling work of Prosecutor Tlhaloane, supported by Court Preparation Officer Lenkoane, who ensured that the accused was held accountable for his crimes. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes this sentence as a reflection of the seriousness of the offences and a stern warning that gender-based violence will not be tolerated.
The NPA remains committed to prioritising the prosecution of sexual offences and ensuring justice for victims. All cases of sexual violence encroach on the constitutional rights of victims to dignity, freedom, and privacy – rights the NPA is dedicated to protecting through vigorous prosecution.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Free State Division
073 423 3539