Mohanoe Jantjie Tshabalala has been sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment for the rape of a 35-year-old woman from Mautse. The sentence was delivered on 20 March 2026 in the Ficksburg Regional Court.
The case was investigated by Detective Warrant Officer Sibongile Valashiya of the Bethlehem Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Mr Vusi Nhlapo prosecuted the matter, and Mr Matshaya presided.
The offence occurred on 1 September 2024. At approximately 04:00, the victim was walking home with a friend from a tavern when the accused confronted them and assaulted both individuals. The friend escaped, leaving the victim alone with Tshabalala, who then raped her.
Evidence collected at the scene was submitted for forensic analysis. The accused was initially arrested and later released pending DNA results. Following a positive DNA match, a warrant of arrest was issued, and he was re-arrested.
The South African Police Service stated that crimes against women and children will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be pursued until justice prevails.
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