DNA evidence convicts man of housebreaking, rape of girlfriend in Northern Cape

A 48-YEAR-old man has been sentenced in the Hopetown Regional Court to 10 years’ direct imprisonment after he was convicted of housebreaking with intent to commit rape.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said on Monday that the man unlawfully entered the complainant’s residence, reportedly with the assistance of an accomplice.

“Once inside the home, the accused raped the complainant, who was his girlfriend at the time,” Senokoatsane said.

He added that the accused was linked to the crime by DNA evidence.

“The complainant’s testimony was corroborated by two witnesses to whom she reported the incident shortly after it occurred. The court found that the State, led by regional State prosecutor Tlotlego Mkhondwana, had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.”

“The NPA welcomes the sentence, reiterating that acts of sexual violence constitute a grave violation of victims’ constitutional rights to dignity, equality, and privacy. The NPA remains resolute in its commitment to prosecute sexual offences vigorously and to ensure that perpetrators are held fully accountable,” Senokoatsane said.