Two brothers have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court in the Northern Cape for serious sexual offences.
On 16 April 2026, the court sentenced Omphile Thamage (29) and Keolopile Thamage (29), both from Bankhara, to life imprisonment each for rape.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said Omphile Thamage was also sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for attempted rape.
“On 14 January 2022, Omphile Thamage attempted to sexually assault a 15-year-old girl after she rejected his advances. The incident was interrupted before it could be carried out.
“On 18 March 2023, both brothers forced a 19-year-old woman from a tavern to her residence, where they raped her. The brothers were found guilty on 12 February 2026 after the court rejected their defence, including a claim of consent despite DNA evidence linking one of them to the crime,” he said.
Senokoatsane added that while out on bail, the accused allegedly intimidated the victims and witnesses and attempted to bribe them, leading to the cancellation of their bail. Intimidation reportedly continued through associates.
“The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences and agreed with the State that life imprisonment was appropriate, noting the accused showed no remorse and posed a danger to society,” he said.