Two men sentenced for kidnapping and rape in Keimoes

Two men, Tozamile Verster, 24 and Reggie April, 18, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for kidnapping and raping a 24-year-old woman in Keimoes.

The offences took place on January 24, 2020, at a residence in the town. A 24-year-old woman and her boyfriend were asleep, when Verster and April arrived at their location. The victim’s boyfriend was attacked with stones, but managed to escape to seek help.

The two men then held the woman captive, dragging her to a nearby river stream, where they assaulted and repeatedly raped her until the next morning. They demanded payment for her release before abandoning her after spotting police in the area.

Verster and April were later arrested and charged with kidnapping and rape.

On August 29, 2025, the Keimoes Regional Court sentenced Verster to 22 years' imprisonment for rape and five years for kidnapping. April was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for rape and five years for kidnapping, with the sentences to run concurrently. Both men were declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The ZFM District Management commended Sergeant Derick Dippenaar for his meticulous investigation, which secured the convictions and ensured that the perpetrators were brought to justice.