Rapist and Armed Robber Thabang Letsholo Sentenced to 30 Years Behind Bars After Freedom Park Attack
A violent night in Freedom Park that left a young couple traumatised has ended with a lengthy prison sentence for 30 year old Thabang Letsholo, who will spend the next three decades behind bars for rape, kidnapping and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The Tlhabane Magistrates’ Court in the North West sentenced Letsholo to an effective 30 years’ direct imprisonment on 1 July 2026 after he was found guilty of attacking a couple during a terrifying incident in November 2023.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the crimes took place on the evening of 17 November 2023 in Freedom Park. Letsholo approached the couple and launched a violent attack that resulted in the woman being raped and both victims being robbed of their personal belongings.
The stolen items included a cellphone, a laptop and the victims’ shoes.
Suspect Arrested Two Days After Attack
Following an investigation by police, Letsholo was arrested just two days after the incident. He remained in custody throughout the legal proceedings until his conviction on 29 June 2026.
The successful prosecution was the result of a detailed investigation led by Detective Sergeant Thabiso Sefora from Phokeng SAPS.
The case was presented in court by Advocate Mputla, while Magistrate Mmamabolo presided over the matter.
Court Hands Down Lengthy Sentence
The court imposed multiple sentences for Letsholo’s crimes, including 15 years’ direct imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and a further 15 years’ imprisonment for another count of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently with the 15 year direct imprisonment term.
The combined sentence resulted in an effective 30 years behind bars.
In addition to the prison sentence, Letsholo was declared unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000).
SAPS Welcomes Justice for Victims
The conviction highlights the continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to hold offenders accountable for violent crimes, especially cases involving sexual violence and armed robbery.
The SAPS in Bojanala Platinum Sub District 2 welcomed the sentence, saying the outcome reflects the commitment of investigators and prosecutors in ensuring that serious offenders face the consequences of their actions.
For the victims, the sentence marks the conclusion of a long legal journey following a traumatic attack that occurred nearly three years ago.
