NPA SECURES EFFECTIVE 40-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE AGAINST RAPIST LESOTHO NATIONAL

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentencing of 34-year-old Lesotho national, Tisetso Maoeng, by the Sterkspruit Regional Court to an effective 40 years' direct imprisonment for the rape of an 18-year-old woman.

The sentence stems from an incident that occurred on 24 September 2025 near Palmietfontein. The victim had been sent by her grandmother to a local spaza shop when she heard someone greeting her from behind. She ignored the voice, but an unknown man caught up with her and asked for her cellphone number. When she informed him that she did not have a cellphone and rejected his advances, the man became aggressive.

He grabbed the victim, attempted to kiss her, and, despite her resistance and cries for help, overpowered and raped her in broad daylight on an open field. Tragically, no one came to her assistance. The perpetrator then forced her to his house, where he told her that he intended to marry her and proceeded to rape her repeatedly.

The following morning, the victim persuaded the perpetrator to allow her to return home by promising that she would come back later that night. He accompanied her part of the way before turning back. Upon arriving home, she immediately reported the incident to her aunt, who took her to a clinic and assisted her in reporting the matter to the police.

The victim subsequently directed police to the perpetrator's residence, where he was arrested and charged with three counts of rape and contravention of the Immigration Act.

During the trial, the State presented compelling evidence through the testimony of the victim, her aunt as the first report witness, and the J88 medico-legal report, which corroborated the sexual assault. The accused pleaded not guilty, claiming that the sexual encounters were consensual. However, the court found his version to be riddled with contradictions and rejected it as false beyond a reasonable doubt.

In aggravation of sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor Anele Magibile argued that rape has reached alarming proportions in society and that courts have a duty to protect vulnerable members of the community through the imposition of appropriate sentences.

The court agreed and sentenced Maoeng to one year's direct imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act and 20 years' imprisonment on each of the three rape counts. The court ordered portions of the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 40 years' imprisonment.

Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions for the Eastern Cape Division, Adv. Samkelo Mtwana, commended the prosecution team and law enforcement authorities for their professionalism and diligence in handling the matter.

"This sentence demonstrates the courts' unwavering commitment to protecting women and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are held fully accountable for their actions. The NPA remains steadfast in its efforts to combat gender-based violence and secure justice for victims," said Mtwana.

The NPA reiterates its commitment to the relentless prosecution of crimes against women and all vulnerable persons, ensuring that justice is pursued without fear, favour, or prejudice.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division