Eastern Cape man jailed with two life terms for rape and attempted murder after home break-in

A 64-year-old man from the Eastern Cape has been sentenced to two life terms after a violent attack on his 49-year-old former partner following a home break-in in Polar Park.

What happened

The attack took place at Polar Park on 25 February 2025 at approximately 11:40pm. The woman was asleep at her residence in Kiviet Street when she was awakened by the sound of a window breaking. Eastern Cape provincial police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said the man had broken a window in a spare bedroom to gain entry into the house.

After the break-in, the victim fled the residence and sought help, but was pursued. The man caught up with her and stabbed her in the neck with a knife. Van Rensburg said,

“He then forcibly took her to his residence, situated a short distance from her home, where he raped her during the night.”

Investigation, arrest and conviction

The following morning the victim reported the incident at SAPS Chatty. The suspect, identified in court as Teyise Bako, was arrested on charges of rape, kidnapping and attempted murder. Van Rensburg said Bako was found guilty on 24 March. He was sentenced on 1 September 2026.

Court sentence details

Bako received the following sentences:

• Count 1 – Rape: life imprisonment
• Count 2 – Housebreaking with intent to assault: four years’ imprisonment
• Count 3 – Kidnapping: four years’ imprisonment
• Count 4 – Attempted murder: life imprisonment
• Count 5 – Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm: 10 years’ imprisonment

The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently. In addition, Bako was declared unfit to possess a firearm and his details will be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders.

Police response and remarks

Van Rensburg said the investigation was conducted by Detective Constable Bulelani Mgebisa of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

Nelson Mandela Bay Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo welcomed the sentence and commended Mgebisa for the investigation and court success. Ngalo said:

“This sentence sends a strong message that gender-based violence, rape and violence against women will not be tolerated. We commend the victim for having the courage to report this horrific ordeal and for persevering through the criminal justice process.”

Ngalo added that the SAPS remains committed to ensuring perpetrators of serious crimes are held accountable and urged victims of gender-based violence to report incidents so police can investigate and seek justice.