The Westonaria Regional Court has sentenced 32-year-old Solomon Pelembe to life imprisonment, plus an additional five years, for the kidnapping and rape of a 26-year-old woman.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that Pelembe was convicted of kidnapping and raping the woman three times after an attempted hijacking in Simunye on January 29.

Regional Court Prosecutor Moses Tshamano argued that Pelembe was violent, posed a danger to society, and showed no remorse. He also emphasised the ongoing national outcry over gender-based violence. The court sentenced Pelembe to life imprisonment for the rape charges, one year for kidnapping, and four years for attempted vehicle robbery.

Constable Simon Mabelane, who led the police investigation, explained that on the day of the incident, Pelembe struck a motorist in the face with a brick while struggling for the car keys. He then produced a firearm, allowing the passengers to flee while the victim was trapped.

Pelembe forced the woman to a nearby park, where he raped her twice, before taking her to his room and raping her again. The victim managed to escape after he fell asleep.

Pelembe was arrested later that same day. Although he initially denied the allegations, he later claimed the sexual acts were consensual when DNA evidence linked him to the crimes.

According to Mjonondwane, the victim’s impact statement revealed that she continues to struggle with aggression, self-blame, nightmares, and deep emotional trauma.

The magistrate condemned rape as an “epidemic”, echoing national concerns over the scourge of gender-based violence.

“The NPA welcomes the sentence, as such cases provide justice and closure for victims and their families, while removing violent offenders from our communities,” Mjonondwane concluded.