By OBAKENG MAJE
23 May 2025- A man (32) was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment by the De Aar Regional Court for rape. On 23 September 2023, at around 8:3pm, a woman (39) was walking alone in the street when she come across her man friend.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said in what was supposed to be a safe walk with a male friend became a nightmare. Shemane said at an open field in Sunrise, the accused grabbed the victim and pushed her to the ground, and assaulted her.
“The victim pleaded with the accused to stop, but he continued and raped her. After raping the victim, he picked the victim up and carried her and raped her for the second time.
“A person heard the anguish and the screams for help and came to the victim’s rescue. When approached, the accused fled. The victim reported the rape case to the police,” he said.
Shemane further said the case was assigned to De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation. He added that, the accused was subsequently arrested and his bail was successfully opposed.
“He remained in custody until the finalisation of the case. On 22 May 2025, the accused, Franklin Januarie was found guilty by the De Aar Regional Court.
“He was convicted and sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for two counts of rape. Furthermore, the court declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm and his name to be entered in the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka-Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe applauded Detective Sergeant Willy Isaac’s of the De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for his meticulous investigation, which ensured that victims of crimes against women are brought to justice and incarcerated for the crimes committed.
The Guardian 