The Welkom Regional Court has sentenced Motsamai Samuel Tshabalala (40) to 18 years’ imprisonment for rape and burglary on 7 May.

The court heard that on 23 December 2024 at approximately 7:15, Tshabalala entered a residence in Thabong and assaulted a 26-year-old woman who was asleep in the house with her boyfriend.

Tshabalala assaulted a 26-year-old woman who was asleep in the house with her boyfriend

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

Tshabalala was later arrested and revealed to be the victim’s neighbour.