Ex-partner jailed for life after three-day rape and kidnapping in Reitz

Bethlehem Regional Court has sentenced 36-year-old Tshidiso Mofokeng to life imprisonment for the kidnapping, repeated rape and assault of his ex-girlfriend in Reitz, Free State.

Three-day ordeal

The attack began on 8 December 2025 when Mofokeng confronted the woman as she walked home from a local tavern. Fearing his known history of domestic violence, she accompanied him to his home under coercion.

Once inside, Mofokeng beat the woman with a car radio aerial, raped her, and locked her in a room without food. He raped her a second time the following day while she remained confined. The victim escaped on the third day by calling out to neighbourhood children through a window and urging them to contact her mother.

Bystanders and the victim’s mother then aided her release; the prosecution stated that people had to carry the weakened victim to a vehicle to take her to hospital.

Arrest, prosecution and sentence

Police arrested Mofokeng shortly after the victim reported the assault. Investigating officer Constable Mosikili, from the Bethlehem Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, worked with prosecutors to oppose bail.

Regional Court Prosecutor Jaco Scholtz asked the court to impose the maximum penalty, saying the accused had shown no mercy by subjecting the complainant to repeated rape, physical violence and unlawful confinement.

The court agreed and handed down a life sentence.

Official reaction

“This successful prosecution sends a clear message that perpetrators of gender-based violence and sexual offences will face the full consequences of their actions,”

the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said after the verdict. Senokoatsane also welcomed the decision as significant because it coincided with Women’s Month, a time to reflect on the rights, safety and dignity of women and to reaffirm commitment to eradicating gender-based violence.