Cacadu rapist jailed for life after decade-long case

A 38-year-old Cacadu man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of his younger brother’s girlfriend, bringing to an end a case that has been before the courts for more than a decade.

The Cacadu Regional Court sentenced Lukhanyo Hans to life imprisonment on 24 July 2026 for the rape of the woman, who was 18 years old at the time of the attack in March 2016.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner, the victim had been socialising with her boyfriend, Hans and a group of friends in Zakhele Location on the night of 5 March 2016.

As the group dispersed in the early hours of the morning, the victim’s boyfriend accompanied other friends to their homes. Hans, who is the boyfriend’s brother, volunteered to remain with the victim at the family home while they waited for his brother to return.

Police said that after waiting for more than an hour, the victim became worried and decided she wanted to go home.

It was at about 2am on 6 March 2016 that Hans allegedly forced the victim to undress before raping her repeatedly while threatening her with a knife.

The victim reported the rape to Cacadu Police Station later that same morning. Hans was arrested at about 10am on 6 March 2016.

He was granted bail in the Cacadu Magistrate’s Court before the matter was transferred to the Cacadu Regional Court, where he made several court appearances over the years before being convicted and sentenced.

Reacting to the sentence, District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph congratulated the investigating officer, Sergeant Yongama Hillary Mkabile, for securing the conviction.

“Justice takes its course, but victims should not despair in the process,” Adolph said.

Police welcomed the life sentence, describing it as a significant outcome in ensuring justice for survivors of sexual violence.

Anyone affected by sexual violence is encouraged to report the matter to the nearest police station or seek assistance from support services.