ZAMDELA – A 25-yearold man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a woman following a drinking spree.
Itumeleng Mphore was convicted on February 25 by the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court.
The sentencing follows an investigation by the Zamdela Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
The incident took place on February 27, 2024. According to police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani, the victim, who was 26 at the time, was drinking with her sister at a friend’s house in Zamdela.
Rani added that later that evening, the accused and his friend joined them. When the group ran out of alcohol, the two men left to buy more. However, Mphore returned alone.
“The accused forcefully pulled the victim into a bedroom. When she refused to have sex with him, he overpowered her and raped her before fleeing the scene on foot,” explained Rani.
The traumatised victim reported the incident to the police shortly afterwards. The case was assigned to Detective Sergeant Agnes Mankge of the Zamdela FCS Unit, who launched an immediate investigation.
With the assistance of Zamdela SAPS members, the suspect was traced and arrested at his residence the following day.
Although Mphore later failed to appear in court, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He remained in custody until the trial was finished. On Wednesday, February 25, the court convicted Mphore to 15 years’ direct imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Mankge welcomed the sentence.
“This conviction sends a strong message that perpetrators of gender-based violence will be tracked down and brought to justice. Survivors must know that the police will continue to fight for them,” she said.
