A determined investigation by SAPS Detective Sergeant Motaung Mokhele has resulted in the conviction and sentencing of Ntando Arnold Hlatshwayo in Germiston.

The Elsburg SAPS officer worked on a case where Hlatshwayo was found guilty on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), rape and theft at the Germiston Regional Court.

Hlatshwayo was sentenced on June 19, 2026, to an effective seven years’ imprisonment after the court ordered that some of his sentences run concurrently.

ALSO READ: Germiston court postpones rape and trafficking case due to lack of interpreter

According to the court order, he received four years’ imprisonment on Count 1, seven years on Count 2, and two years on Count 3. In terms of Section 280(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act, the sentences on Counts 1 and 3 will run concurrently with the seven-year sentence on Count 2, resulting in an effective sentence of seven years.

The court further declared Hlatshwayo unfit to possess a firearm, ordered the search and seizure of any firearms or related items in his possession, directed that his details be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, and informed the complainant of her right to participate in any future parole proceedings.

The investigation

Mokhele said the case began after the complainant reported that she had been attacked by her former boyfriend.

According to the victim, she was at a nearby tuckshop when Hlatshwayo confronted her and threatened her with what appeared to be a firearm, forcing her to accompany him to his residence.

ALSO READ: Germiston court postpones bail hearing for 76-year-old rape accused

Once there, he allegedly assaulted her, raped her and stole her cellphone.

The victim was admitted to hospital because of the injuries she sustained. After being discharged, she reported the matter to police and a case was opened.

During the investigation, Hlatshwayo claimed that he and the complainant were still in a relationship and that the encounter had been consensual.

However, the complainant disputed this, telling investigators that although they had previously dated, the relationship had ended before the incident.

When Sergeant Mokhele received the case docket, he immediately began tracing the suspect.

“We could not find him at the Buhle Park address as provided. The complainant lived not far from that address, but he had already left,” Mokhele said.

ALSO READ: Germiston court delays trial of 76-year-old accused of rape, trafficking

Investigators later traced Hlatshwayo to his workplace in Sandton, where he was employed as a security guard, and he was arrested.

Further investigations revealed that although he was issued with a company firearm while on duty, security records showed that he was required to hand it in after every shift and had never officially taken the work firearm home.

Police also established that after the incident, Hlatshwayo had relocated to Alexandra.

“We successfully opposed his bail application, and he remained in custody at Boksburg Correctional Centre throughout the trial,” Mokhele said.

As part of the bail conditions, the accused was ordered not to have any contact with the complainant while the matter was before court.

Hlatshwayo pleaded not guilty and the matter proceeded to a full trial before the Germiston Regional Court, where he was ultimately convicted and sentenced.

Sending a message
Reflecting on the outcome, Mokhele said he was satisfied with the sentence.

“Gender-based violence remains a serious concern in our country. We need to send a strong message to perpetrators. I was happy with the sentencing because it shows that justice can be served.”

ALSO READ: Germiston court postpones bail hearing for Pharoe Park protest accused

Mokhele joined the SAPS after completing his training at the SAPS Training College in 2007/08.

A former soccer player, he believes his sporting background helped prepare him for the physical demands of policing.

After graduating, he was posted to Elsburg Police Station while living in Katlehong. In 2009, he underwent field training under Warrant Officer Tshabalala before joining the Visible Policing unit in 2010.

In 2014, he transferred to the Detective Service, where he has remained ever since.

He described detective work as both demanding and rewarding.

“It is a position that requires commitment. Even when you are officially off duty, you are still thinking about your cases. You have to be dedicated.”

He encouraged fellow officers to remain committed to serving their communities.

“We need people who come to work ready to work, with an open mind and a love for the organisation. Communities place their trust in us. We must step up, stay patient and remain committed to delivering justice,” said Mokhele.