Thabiso Edwin Qametsi (25) has been sentenced to a fine of R1 800 or six months imprisonment for sexual assault.
The Glencoe Magistrate’s Court found Thabiso guilty after he was charged with the crime by a 21-year-old woman.
The victim accused Thabiso of following her and forcefully touching and grabbing her inappropriately.
The court heard that Thabiso followed the victim, telling her that he was in love with her and would not take no for an answer.
He then followed her to a friend’s house, where a family member chased him away.
The matter was investigated by Warrant Officer Khambule of the Dundee Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. The accused was tracked down, arrested and charged. He admitted to the allegations and was thus found guilty and charged.
“Although the charge appears to be of a lesser nature, the sentence was appropriate to teach would-be offenders of such crimes, that they will not escape the punishment of the law. You cannot forcefully demand affections from a lady. Women should be respected when they say “NO”. The problem lies in the lack of respect for fellow human beings,” said Warrant Officer Khambule.
Captain Fuller, FCS Unit Commander, said that it’s “not only the large and lengthy sentences that should be noted, but the smaller ones too, as accused are found guilty and, hopefully realise that they should leave their misguided ways and strive for a better life.
“It helps the victim’s knowing that they did not go through the trauma in vain and that we did everything in our power to ensure that justice is done. That is what we are here for.”