Kathu tavern rapist jailed for 12 years

A KATHU man who attacked a woman behind a tavern in the early hours of the morning has been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.

Tshepang Seane, 31, was found guilty in the Kathu Regional Court this week for the rape of a 36-year-old patron at a tavern in Mapoteng. The assault took place on Sunday, June 4, 2023, after the woman stepped behind a shack to relieve herself while out with friends.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Litabe said that Seane grabbed the woman from behind “while she was vulnerable” before raping her and fleeing the scene. The traumatised victim reported the incident, prompting officers to open a rape case and launch an arrest operation.

Seane was tracked down shortly afterwards, and the case was handed to Detective Constable Refilwe Rapelang of the Kathu SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit. 

According to Lieutenant-Colonel Litabe, the SAPS provincial management commended the detective for the “meticulous investigation of the case”, which culminated in the conviction and sentencing on November 18.

The sentencing comes as South Africa enters the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting all crimes against vulnerable groups, emphasising that efforts to combat gender-based violence are being “enhanced and reinforced”.