Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Raping Ex-Girlfriend

BOLOTHWA – A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of his former girlfriend following a lengthy court process that began nearly five years ago.

The sentence was handed down by the Komani Regional Court on Friday, 12 June 2026. The convicted man was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

According to police, the incident occurred on the night of 24 October 2021 at Mbinzana Locality in the Bolothwa area. The woman was at home with her 14-year-old daughter when her former boyfriend allegedly arrived at the house and forced her to accompany him to his residence.

Police said the victim initially refused, but complied after the man allegedly threatened her with a knife in front of her daughter.

Once at his residence, the woman was allegedly assaulted and raped repeatedly throughout the night.

The following morning, she managed to escape after the accused fell asleep and reported the matter to police.

Investigators revealed that prior to the attack, the woman had already applied for a protection order after allegedly receiving threats following the end of the relationship.

A case was opened at Bolothwa SAPS on 25 October 2021 and the accused was arrested the same day. He spent three months in custody before being granted bail and subsequently made several court appearances before his conviction and sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by Detective Sergeant Mhlanguli Gama of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

Chris Hani District Commissioner, Rudolph Adolph, welcomed the sentence and praised the investigating officer for securing a conviction.

Police said the life sentence sends a strong message that gender-based violence and sexual offences will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be held accountable.

Source: South African Police Service media statement.