The Parys Regional Court has convicted and sentenced 28-year-old James Motaung to 20 years imprisonment for rape. The sentence was handed down on Friday, September 18.

The sentence stems from an incident that occurred in April 2023, when the then 78-year-old pensioner was asleep at her residence. The suspect broke into the house, attacked, and raped her.

During the ordeal, the victim fought back and managed to bite the suspect on his finger, causing him injuries, and he fled the scene. The investigating officer, Sergeant Fongoqa, was assigned to the case, and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) was summoned to the scene to collect forensic evidence that could assist in identifying the unknown suspect.

Through Sergeant Fongoqa’s diligent investigation and forensic analysis, the suspect was positively identified through DNA evidence, which led to the suspect’s arrest in 2024. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

The Parys Regional Court convicted Motaung and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment for rape and eight years imprisonment for housebreaking, with the sentences to run concurrently. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.