The Bothaville Regional Court has convicted and sentenced 34-year-old Zwelibanzi Ephraim Leshoro on charges of rape and robbery.
The sentencing stems from an incident on Saturday, 21 August 2021, at approximately 22:30 in Kgotsong, Bothaville. The court heard that the 28-year-old female victim was accosted while walking in the street. Leshoro demanded money and took R200 from her, then demanded sexual intercourse.
The victim pleaded with the accused not to rape her, stating she had already given him money. The court heard that Leshoro proceeded to forcefully throw the victim to the ground, undressed her, and raped her. He then fled the scene.
A rape case was reported at Bothaville Police Station and assigned to Sergeant Lehlohonolo Fonya of the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. The investigation led to Leshoro’s arrest.
The investigating officer and prosecutor Ms Tshegofatso Lebitsa of the National Prosecuting Authority presented evidence that resulted in the conviction.
Magistrate Mahlatsi handed down the sentence on Wednesday, 20 May 2026: 20 years’ imprisonment for rape and 5 years’ imprisonment for robbery. The court ordered both sentences to run concurrently.
Â
Â