NPA WELCOMES LIFE SENTENCE FOR MAN WHO RAPED, ASSAULTED AND KIDNAPPED INTIMATE PARTNER

Bloemfontein, Free State – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of a 34-year-old man from Batho Location, Mangaung, to life imprisonment for the rape of his 38-year-old intimate partner. The sentence follows his successful prosecution on charges of rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), and kidnapping.

The accused was convicted by the Bloemfontein Regional Court on 17 September 2026 following a trial that commenced on 26 August 2026. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape, 10 years' imprisonment for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and five years' imprisonment for kidnapping.

The court ordered the five-year sentence for kidnapping to run concurrently with the 10-year sentence for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The 10-year sentence was ordered to run consecutively to the life sentence.

The court heard that the complainant and the accused had been living together in Batho Location. The events giving rise to the charges began after the complainant spent a night away from their home assisting her daughter, who was preparing for the imminent birth of her child.

When the complainant returned home the following morning, the accused accused her of being unfaithful. Evidence before the court revealed that these accusations were not uncommon and were frequently accompanied by abusive behaviour. The accused was also known to abuse drugs.

The situation escalated when the accused forced the complainant to undress, repeatedly assaulted her, and raped her. The abuse continued throughout the night until approximately 04:00, during which she was repeatedly physically assaulted and sexually violated. She sustained visible injuries, including bruising and swelling, and was left severely traumatised by the ordeal.

The court further heard that the accused confined the complainant in their home for the remainder of the week. He locked her inside the residence and falsely informed others that she was not there. During this period, only one friend was able to visit the home and became aware of her circumstances.

In addition, the accused confiscated the complainant's asthma pump, depriving her of essential medication while she was being held captive.

The complainant eventually escaped the following Sunday when the accused forgot to lock the door. She fled to nearby neighbours seeking assistance but did not receive help. Covered only by a small blanket, she returned to the house to collect clothing. The accused assaulted her again, but when he tripped over an object during the attack, she seized the opportunity to escape and report the matter to the authorities.

A significant aspect of the case was the complainant's initial belief that rape could only be committed by a stranger. She did not realise that she could be raped by an intimate partner. The investigating officer explained that South African law recognises rape irrespective of the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim, after which she elected to add a rape charge against the accused.

During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Amore Coetzee argued that the offences were aggravated by several factors, including the fact that the complainant was the accused's life partner, the prolonged history of abuse she endured, the deprivation of her asthma medication, and the accused's complete lack of remorse.

The court found that the accused had failed to establish substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence applicable to the rape conviction and accordingly imposed the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment.

The NPA commends the complainant for reporting the abuse and for participating in the criminal justice process despite the prolonged trauma she endured.

This matter underscores the important principle that rape can occur within an intimate relationship. Consent is required regardless of whether the parties are married, dating, cohabiting, or otherwise involved in a relationship. South African law does not provide any exemption from prosecution for sexual violence committed by an intimate partner.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting cases of gender-based violence and domestic abuse without fear, favour or prejudice. We will continue to pursue justice for victims and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable in accordance with the law.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson: Free State Division