Man jailed for 15 years after raping family friend at her home

Case and conviction

In the Griekwastad Regional Court, 22-year-old Gino September was convicted of raping a 21-year-old woman at her family home at the Heuningkrans Lodge. The court found the complainant a credible and reliable single witness whose account was corroborated by medical and DNA evidence.

What the court heard

According to evidence presented to the court, on the night of 5 July 2025 September, who had been a family friend for about six years, visited the complainant’s home. After other family members went to their bedrooms, September and the woman were left alone watching television.

The court heard that September unexpectedly professed his love, and when the woman rejected his advances and asked him to leave, he produced a knife, threatened to stab her, ordered her to remove her clothing, forced her onto a couch and raped her.

Trial, evidence and sentence

September pleaded not guilty and said the sexual intercourse was consensual. The State presented medical and DNA evidence linking September to the offence, and the court rejected his version of events as false beyond reasonable doubt.

In sentencing, the court described the offence as serious and handed down 15 years’ direct imprisonment. September was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Support for the complainant

The complainant testified after receiving extensive support and preparation from Court Preparation Officer Lindokuhle Sikhakhane, who conducted numerous court preparation sessions to assist her through the process.

Prosecution stance and NPA reaction

During aggravation, the State emphasised that rape is a selfish and heinous offence that leaves lasting emotional scars and violates victims’ dignity, bodily integrity and privacy. The prosecution also stressed that women are entitled to enjoy constitutional rights to dignity, privacy and security in their own homes.

“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual offences and ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence receive the support and protection they need throughout the criminal justice process. This conviction and sentence reaffirm that offenders who violate the dignity, bodily integrity and fundamental rights of others will be held accountable for their actions,”

Mojalefa Senokoatsane, NPA Northern Cape spokesperson

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