A 32-year-old man has received a life sentence for rape, and an additional four years for housebreaking with intent, following a heinous crime committed in February 2024.
On 12 July the Welkom courts sentenced Melikaya Tsatsa for the heinous crime he committed in 2024.
On 21 February 2024, Tsatsa entered his 46-year-old girlfriend’s home in Thabong. The victim was with a male friend when he confronted them, accusing them of an affair.
Tsatsa then attacked the male friend, who managed to escape. He then turned his aggression towards the victim. She attempted to flee to tenants residing in a shack on the premises, but Tsatsa followed her and continued his assault. They re-entered the house, where the assault continued, and he proceeded to rape her multiple times throughout the night.
The following morning, Tsatsa locked the victim inside the house and left. However, she managed to escape by opening the door. A case of rape and housebreaking with intent unknown was immediately opened and investigated.
Sgt. Themba Jilimba of Thabong Family violence, Child protection and Sexual offences unit was entrusted with the investigation, working in collaboration with Advocate Elias Masooane of the National Prosecuting Authority. Their diligent efforts led to the successful conviction of Tsatsa for housebreaking with intent and rape.
