Convicted Free State rapist arrested in Qwaqwa after nearly 12 years on the run

A convicted rapist from the Free State who evaded sentencing for almost 12 years has been rearrested after returning to his home village, police said.

Arrest after community tip-off

Police said 36-year-old Kenneth Lepota of Tseseng Village in Qwaqwa was arrested on Friday, July 3 after a community member recognised him on his return to the village and alerted the investigating officer, who detained him immediately.

Background of the case

The police statement said Lepota was convicted of rape alongside two co-accused in 2014 at the Tseseng Magistrate’s Court but failed to appear for sentencing and went into hiding. One co-accused, Morena Mokoena, is serving a life sentence for the rape, while the third co-accused died before sentencing could take place.

The original attack

According to police, on April 6, 2011, at approximately 12.45am, a 26-year-old woman from Tseseng Village was walking home from a local tavern with a friend when three men confronted them. The suspects allegedly grabbed the victim, dragged her into nearby bushes and raped her. The woman was said to have identified all three perpetrators.

Next court appearance

Lepota is expected to appear before the Tseseng Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 for sentencing following his conviction on the charge of rape.

Police comment

The Free State Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, commended the community member who provided the tip-off and emphasised the role of the public in supporting police work.

“The public remains the eyes and ears of the police. This arrest demonstrates the importance of community cooperation in ensuring that offenders are brought to justice, regardless of how much time has passed. We hope this development will bring a measure of closure to the victim and her family,” Lesia said.