Betrayed and brutalised: Postmasburg man jailed for raping woman he knew
A Postmasburg man was jailed for raping a woman he knew, after attacking her while she was walking home.
Image: Morgan Morgan / DALL-E / DFA / Illustration
THE POSTMASBURG Regional Court has handed down a 15-year prison sentence to 33-year-old Lethlogonolo Mothupi for the brutal rape of a 29-year-old woman in Postmasburg's Boichoko location on August 8, 2023.
According to the court proceedings, the victim was walking home along Mongake Street when Mothupi suddenly grabbed her from behind, demanding that she have sexual intercourse with him.
When the victim refused, he assaulted her by hitting her on the head with a rock, and he proceeded to rape her. What made the situation even more traumatic for the victim was that Mothupi was known to her, making the betrayal of trust even more appalling.
The court found Mothupi guilty of rape, and in addition to the 15-year prison sentence, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm. The court also ordered that his name be recorded in the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The successful prosecution was led by Kenneth Motsatse, while Detective Constable Boitshepo Bele led the investigation. Northern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola commended the investigation and prosecution teams for their diligent work in securing justice for the victim.
Lieutenant-General Otola emphasised that gender-based violence remains a priority for the criminal justice system, and the police will continue to work tirelessly to protect women and children.
She also encouraged members of the public to report crime via the MySAPS app or by calling 08600 10111, and to participate in the "Rate Our Service" online survey to help improve policing services.