| 2025/02/14 |
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Media Statement
FREE STATE – A man was successfully prosecuted and sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment for raping a woman in Bethlehem in April 2023. On 9 April 2023, at approximately 5:30 AM, the 30-year-old victim was walking home from church through an open field when she was approached by an African male who asked her for a cigarette. After a brief interaction, the suspect walked away. Shortly thereafter, the same suspect grabbed the victim from behind, carrying a knife. He then forcibly dragged her to his nearby residence, where he locked the door and proceeded to rape her. Following the assault, the victim managed to escape and returned to her church, where she reported the incident to other church members. The matter was immediately reported to the SAPS, and an investigation was launched under the guidance of Constable Khehla Mosikili from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit. Following swift and thorough investigative work, the 24-year-old suspect Malefetsane Patrick Zim was apprehended.
Through working together with Advocate Twalo from the National Prosecuting Authority, the accused was found guilty of rape and sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment in the Bethlehem Regional Court.
Enquiries:
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