MAN SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A TEENAGE BOY
25 NOVEMBER 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING A TEENAGE BOY
Kimberley, Northern Cape – The Sexual Offences Court sitting in Kimberley (K Court) has convicted and sentenced Zwelitsha Lebetsneng (45) to 22 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of a 17-year-old male victim. The incident occurred on 24 August 2024, when the accused went to the home of the victim, fully aware that he was alone. Lebetsneng, who had been a trusted family friend and involved in the victim’s life since his childhood, entered the property and instructed the victim to perform oral sex on him. The traumatised victim complied out of fear and immediately reported the incident to a neighbour. The accused was arrested shortly thereafter and first appeared in court on 29 August 2024, where he was denied bail until the conclusion of the trial. Throughout the trial, the victim received extensive support from the Galeshewe Thuthuzela Care Centre, including a forensic medical examination and ongoing psychosocial services.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) acknowledges the invaluable work of Court Preparation Officer Lindokuhle Sikhakhane, who ensured the victim was adequately prepared for the court proceedings and facilitated the compilation of the Victim Impact Statement. The NPA further commends the multidisciplinary team for their continued dedication to supporting survivors of sexual offences. During sentencing proceedings, Advocate Tevaughnay van Wyk, appearing for the State, argued that the accused posed a danger to society and that a severe sentence was necessary to deter similar offences. The State highlighted that the victim forms part of the LGBTI+ community, which merits constitutional protection due to their vulnerability to such targeted crimes.
On 20 October 2025, Lebetsneng was found guilty of rape in terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007, and in November 2025, the court imposed a sentence of 22 years’ direct imprisonment. Additionally, the court ordered that the accused’s name and details be recorded in both the National Register for Sexual Offenders and the National Child Protection Register, thereby restricting him from working with or accessing children and other vulnerable groups. The NPA welcomes this sentence, as it affirms the criminal justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society. Sexual crimes violate the fundamental rights to dignity, bodily integrity, and privacy of victims, and the NPA will continue to prosecute such matters vigorously to ensure that justice is served.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539