MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE
25 SEPTEMBER 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE
Griekwastad, Northern Cape – The Griekwastad Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Serame Eric Bantsheng (36) to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for rape.
The court heard that on 23 February 2024, the 28-year-old complainant was at a local drinking establishment with friends when the accused took her cellphone and later her car keys. He coerced her into accompanying him to his residence, where he held her against her will overnight. The following morning, he forcefully undressed and raped her without her consent. The complainant reported the incident to the police after she was eventually allowed to leave.
The State, represented by Prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela, led the testimony of the complainant and three other witnesses, including the medical doctor. Court Preparation Officer Lindokuhle Sikhakhane ensured the complainant and witnesses were adequately prepared for proceedings. The court found the complainant to be a credible and reliable witness, with her version corroborated by the evidence presented.
In aggravation of sentence, the State handed in a Victim Impact Report facilitated by Sikhakhane. Prosecutor Thothela argued that rape is a grave and prevalent crime in South Africa, leaving victims with long-term psychological trauma and infringing on their constitutional rights to dignity and privacy. He emphasised that courts must act as a shield to protect vulnerable members of society, particularly women. The court agreed with the State’s submissions and sentenced Bantsheng to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for rape, in terms of Section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997.
This sentence reaffirms the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable and that the rights of victims are protected. These outcomes provide justice and closure to victims and their families, while removing violent offenders from society.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539