SASOLBURG.- The Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court has convicted and sentenced 38-year-old Tumelo Mphuthi to 20 years’ imprisonment for rape on Wednesday, September 9.

Police said that the sentence stems from an incident that occurred on Friday, November 24, 2023, at about 18:00, when the then 17-year-old victim was at a shebeen where she was approached by the suspect, who suggested that they attend a traditional ceremony where they could have more alcohol.

The suspect took the victim to his house under the pretence that there was more liquor available.

The two proceeded to the said address, it is said, where they consumed more alcohol.

“Later, at approximately midnight, the suspect took the victim to his house under the pretence that there was more liquor available. Upon arrival at the suspect’s house, the victim discovered that there was no liquor and demanded to leave,” said the police.

It is said that the suspect then started raping her.

The suspect continued raping the victim and placed Sellotape over her mouth to prevent her from screaming for help.

The victim screamed for help, prompting a neighbour to come and enquire about the commotion, that is when the suspect falsely told the neighbour that he was arguing with his girlfriend.

“The suspect continued raping the victim and placed Sellotape over her mouth to prevent her from screaming for help. The following day the suspect’s sister arrived and noticed the victim’s mouth sealed with Sellotape while her hand was tied with shoelaces.”

The matter was reported to the police, and Detective Sergeant Timelo Dlamini was assigned to investigate the docket, and a thorough investigation conducted led to the suspect being brought before the court.

Mphuthi was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for rape and his name is recorded in the National Register of Sexual Offenders.