TZANEEN – A 42-year-old man from Morutji Village has been sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment by the Tzaneen Regional Court for raping a 34-year-old woman who was a family friend.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentence, handed down after the accused pleaded guilty and was convicted as charged. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act.

Accused exploited position of trust, court hears

According to the NPA, the attack took place on the night of August 24, 2025, when the accused entered the victim’s homestead at Morutji Village. He is said to have called out to her using her nickname before entering her bedroom while she slept.

He then threatened her with a knife, ordered her to undress, and raped her. Her brother was not at home at the time. The victim raised the alarm with her child and neighbours immediately afterwards and reported the matter to police.

Prosecution highlighted lasting trauma

State Prosecutor Brown Ramohlola presented pre-sentence and victim impact reports during proceedings, outlining the psychological toll the attack had on the victim.

The State argued that the accused’s betrayal of a trusted relationship was a significant aggravating factor in a crime it described as still alarmingly common in South Africa.

NPA commends investigating team

The Limpopo director of public prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, credited the outcome to thorough investigative work, commending Ramohlola and Investigating Officer Sergeant Shipalana of the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

The NPA said the sentence reinforces its commitment to pursuing sexual offences and gender-based violence cases vigorously.