By REGINALD KANYANE
3 November 2026 – Bashimane Bantsheng (30) was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for two counts of rape. Bantsheng raped a girl (11) and a woman (32).
The first incident occurred on 26 January 2019, when the girl was returning home with her siblings. Bantsheng accosted her and took her to a secluded area, where he raped her.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said following the incident, the child sought assistance at a nearby house, while Bantsheng fled when occupants responded to calls for help. Mabasa said the second incident occurred on 6 June 2019.
“The complainant, who knew Bantsheng, was at her home when he arrived and asked for food. When she asked him to leave, Bantsheng threatened her with a knife and increased the volume of the radio to prevent her calls for help from being heard. He subsequently raped her despite her pleas.
“Bantsheng was arrested and linked to the first rape through DNA evidence. He pleaded not guilty to both charges. During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence from witnesses, including the complainants and first-report witnesses, as well as medical and DNA evidence,” she said.
Mabasa further said the court accepted the state’s case and convicted Bantsheng on both counts. She added that in aggravation of sentence, the state emphasised the seriousness of the offences, the violation of the complainants’ bodily integrity and dignity and the lasting psychological and emotional consequences of sexual violence.
“The court sentenced Bantsheng to nine years imprisonment on the first count and 25 years imprisonment on the second count. The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 25 years imprisonment.
“Bantsheng was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The court further ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and found him unsuitable to work with children,” said Mabasa.
She said the NPA welcomes the conviction and sentence. Mabasa said rape is a serious violation of human dignity, bodily integrity and fundamental human rights.
“The NPA remains committed to the effective prosecution of sexual offences, particularly offences involving children and other vulnerable persons, and to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable through the criminal justice system,” she said.
