By OBAKENG MAJE
28 October 2026 – A 30-year-old man, Tsepo Setloboti, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for raping his friend’s girlfriend at a house in Boitekong, Rustenburg. The Rustenburg Regional Court handed down the sentence following Setloboti’s conviction for the rape, which occurred on 19 November 2023.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa, the victim was at her boyfriend’s home with her boyfriend and Setloboti when the two men left for a tavern, leaving her behind. Mabasa said Setloboti later returned from the tavern and used a key he had taken from where it had been left to gain entry to the house.
“He then raped the victim before leaving and returning to the tavern. Setloboti and the victim’s boyfriend later returned to the house. The following day, the victim reported the rape to her boyfriend, leading to Setloboti’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.
“During sentencing proceedings, prosecutor Katlego Magano presented a victim impact statement compiled by the victim with the assistance of court preparation officer Dorah Lekau,” she said.
Mabasa further said the statement outlined the emotional trauma the victim suffered as a result of the rape and its lasting effects on her well-being.
Welcoming the sentence, North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, said the punishment demonstrated the criminal justice system’s commitment to protecting victims of sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable. Makhari said the authority remained committed to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual offences without fear, favour or prejudice.
“The NPA reiterates that rape is a grave violation of a person’s dignity and bodily integrity, with potentially devastating and lasting emotional and psychological consequences.
“The NPA further emphasised its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of victims of sexual offences while ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said.
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