Kuruman man jailed for 12 years after rape and assault conviction

A Kuruman Regional Court has sentenced a local man to an effective 12 years in prison after his conviction for rape and assault, authorities said.

Conviction and sentence

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Nkosinathi Gaseutlwiwe, 27, of Maruping, was convicted on charges of rape and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The court imposed 12 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape charge and a further two years for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, producing an effective term of 12 years’ imprisonment.

Details of the incident

According to the NPA, the offences occurred on January 27, 2023, near Kuruman. The NPA said the 20-year-old female victim was from Bankhara village.

The evidence presented in court described that the two victims were walking home together when they were confronted by the accused. The male victim managed to escape, ran to a nearby police station for assistance and later returned with officers. When the police returned to the scene they found the accused in the act of raping the female victim and immediately arrested him.

Prosecution and official response

Regional Court prosecutor Kekeletso Lekota presented the State’s case and argued for an appropriate sentence, emphasising the seriousness of the offences, the devastating impact on the victims, and the need to protect society from violent and sexual offenders. The court accepted the State’s evidence and convicted the accused accordingly.

NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane welcomed the conviction and sentencing. Senokoatsane said:

“The court sentenced Gaseutlwiwe to 12 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of a 20-year-old woman from Bankhara village near Kuruman and a further two years’ imprisonment for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm committed against a male victim. The offences were committed on January 27, 2023.”

Senokoatsane added:

“The NPA welcomes the sentence, which reflects the gravity of gender-based violence and sexual offences. Crimes of this nature violate the dignity, bodily integrity, and fundamental rights of victims, leaving lasting physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. This outcome reaffirms the justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring that victims receive justice. The NPA further commends the prosecution team and the South African Police Service for their diligent work and collaboration, which resulted in the successful conviction and sentencing of the accused.”

Case outcome

The accused was arrested at the scene when police returned with the male victim and was later convicted and sentenced by the Kuruman Regional Court.