WELKOM – The Welkom Regional Court sentenced Motsamai Samuel Tshabalala (40) to 18 years imprisonment for rape and burglary.

The court heard that on 23 December 2024 at approximately 07:15, Tshabalala entered a residence in Thabong through an unlocked door. A 26-year-old woman was asleep in the house with her boyfriend.

Tshabalala sexually assaulted the woman while she was in a semi-conscious state

Tshabalala sexually assaulted the woman while she was in a semi-conscious state. When the victim regained consciousness and attempted to scream, the suspect muffled her cries and continued the assault.

The victim alerted her boyfriend, who was then attacked by Tshabalala with a beer bottle. The boyfriend blocked the strike before Tshabalala fled.

The couple reported the incident to Thabong SAPS. Sergeant Themba Jilimba of the Thabong Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit investigated the case and arrested Tshabalala, who was the victim’s neighbour.

Working with prosecutor Matthysen, the SAPS presented the case to court. Tshabalala was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape and three years for burglary.