Galeshewe rapist sentenced to 15 years imprisonment

The Galeshewe regional court has sentenced Hughlin Swarts, 24, to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for raping a close friend of his late brother.

The incident took place on August 8 2024, when the 33-year-old woman allowed him to spend the night in her shack. 

Northern Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused arrived at the complainant's home late at night, following an argument with his family.

"Out of trust and compassion, she allowed him into her one-room shack and provided him with a place to sleep. Swarts attacked her while she was asleep and choked her before forcibly undressing and raping her. After the ordeal, the traumatised victim managed to escape and ran naked to her neighbour’s house, screaming for help. The neighbour confirmed that the victim arrived visibly distressed and crying. Police were called, and the victim was taken for immediate medical treatment and later supported with counselling services." 

He indicated that during the trial, Swarts pleaded not guilty, insisting that it was consensual. "However, under cross-examination by the State, he contradicted himself repeatedly. The court found the victim to be a credible and reliable single witness, with her testimony free of contradictions. In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Shareen Links argued that Swarts had betrayed the victim’s trust, as she regarded him as a brother figure." 

Senokoatsane added that the court preparation officer, Lindokuhle Sikhakhane, advised the court of the devastating psychological toll of the crime.

"The complainant attempted to commit suicide after the rape, but was fortunately saved through counselling."

He stated that the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm, while his name would be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders. 

"The NPA in the Northern Cape welcomes this sentence, which reflects the seriousness of sexual offences and the profound breach of trust committed by the accused. This case demonstrates the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence face the full might of the law. We commend the courage of the victim, whose testimony ensured justice was done,” Senokoatsane said.