FREE STATE — A Ficksburg rape accused has been sentenced to 25 years in direct imprisonment after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old learner in the Meqheleng area.
The 28-year-old accused, identified as Suhla Nkola, targeted the teenager on the morning of 20 November 2023. At approximately 06:40, the victim was bathing and preparing to leave for school to write her examinations when Nkola, who was her neighbor, knocked on her door. He requested to use her cellphone to log into his social media account. The victim handed him the device and returned to the bathroom to finish bathing. Shortly after, Nkola entered the bedroom, initiated unwanted physical contact, and asked to sleep with her. He subsequently pushed her onto the bed, raped her, and fled the scene.
Despite the traumatic circumstances of the assault, the victim immediately contacted her mother and proceeded to write her school exams. Once her examinations were completed, she reported the incident to the authorities.
The matter was investigated by Detective Sergeant Kobeli of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Ficksburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS). The thorough investigation led to Nkola’s swift arrest and subsequent charging with rape.
The legal proceedings concluded recently, with the court finding Nkola guilty on Thursday, 3 July 2026. He was formally handed his 25-year prison sentence on Monday, 6 July 2026.