By BAKANG MOKOTO
29 September 2026 – The Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit has secured a series of convictions and lengthy sentences in four rape cases, reaffirming police efforts to combat gender-based violence. In the first case, Freddy Thobedi (38) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Klerksdorp Regional Court after being convicted of rape.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said the conviction relates to an incident on 16 July 2022, when a victim (27) was seeking transport to Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp. Skalkie said Thobedi, who was her cousin’s boyfriend, allegedly told her to leave her baby behind before taking her to a house without lights.
“He then threatened her with a knife and raped her. Thobedi received a further 10 years imprisonment after being convicted of a second rape. The incident occurred on 22 September 2021, when a neighbour (39) accompanied him to collect a wheelbarrow. The court heard that he took her to a house in Kanana Extension 14, where he forcefully raped her.
“In a third case, Ishmael Tsholofelo Montsho (34) was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape. The court heard that a victim (29) was asleep with her child (3) at her boyfriend’s place when Montsho allegedly entered the house and climbed into bed with her. She initially believed he was her boyfriend, but realised it was the accused after switching on the light,” she said.
Skalkie further said the three cases were investigated by Detective Sergeant Ramontshiwa Abel Roberts of the Klerksdorp FCS Unit. She added that in the fourth case, Tisetso Matolo (28) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for rape.
“The court heard that Matolo, the victim’s former boyfriend, forced a woman (21) to accompany him to his residence after she refused to go with him. He allegedly dragged her to the residence and raped her. The case was investigated by Detective Constable Tumisang Lobakeng of the Klerksdorp FCS Unit.
“The courts further ordered the convicted offenders’ names to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared the offenders unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. The sentences demonstrate the continued efforts of the police and justice system to ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable,” said Skalkie.
She said the sentences send a strong message that gender-based violence-related crimes will not be tolerated. Skalkie said they commend the investigators, prosecutor Wilna Cordier and all the role-players whose efforts ensured that justice was served.
