Welkom rapist slapped with 20 years behind bars

A Welkom-born man has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for the alleged rape, which occurred in 2020, the Virginia Magistrate Court handed down justice today.

The accused was found guilty as charged and sentenced by the Magistrate Court, and he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The Magistrate Court heard evidence of the traumatic experience endured by the 25-year-old victim in 2020.

The victim was slightly injured when she was raped.

“The woman was walking next to Welkom swimming pool in Jim Fouchepark alone. When she was passing one of the town house, an unknown African male was sitting on the opposite side,” said Lejweleputswa District spokesperson, captain Stephen Thakeng.

According to Thakeng, the accused firstly posed personal questions to the victim.

“When they approached a vacant land in Begonia street, the accused started putting his hand on the waist of the victim.

“The complainant told him not to touch her. He drew the knife and grabbed her by hand. She was forced to an open stand at knife point,” added Thakeng.

The victim was undressed and raped. Thereafter the suspect fled the scene.

“The victim grabbed her clothes and bag to seek for help. She tried to knock at the gate but nobody responded and saw a passing vehicle while she was not dressed,” explained Thakeng.

Thakeng further said that, the suspect was spotted by the motorist who followed him.

The suspect was arrested on the street and the victim was able to spot him.

South African rape statistics:

In November last year, Police Minister Bheki Cele said it is a disgrace and deeply disturbing that almost 10 000 people were brutalised by crime in a space of three months.

Crime statistics for the 2021 second quarter period from the 1st July to the 30th September showed an increase of 4.7% in sexual offence cases.