By BAKANG MOKOTO
30 August 2026 – A man (50) sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for robbery and rape. This comes after a traumatic incident that occurred on 29 November 2018, when a victim (34) was asleep at her residence in Warrenton with her husband and their daughter (2).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the family was awakened by two armed assailants, one of whom was wearing a balaclava and demanded money from the victim’s husband. Shemane said the assailants assaulted him and subjected him to electric shocks using a wire.
“The victim’s husband was then taken to another bedroom, where the couple’s twin daughters were sleeping. Their hands and feet were tied, while the other suspect proceeded to remove valuable items from the house, including a television set and other household possessions.
“Ernest Khoza, who was one of the assailants, forced the victim, who was still carrying her daughter (2) into the main bedroom. He instructed her to put the child down, after which he raped her in the presence of her young daughter,” he said.
Shemane further said the two suspects subsequently fled the scene, and the victim managed to free her husband and daughters before reporting the incident to the police. He added that the case was assigned to Detective Sergeant Desmond Modise of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigating Unit for investigation.
“Through diligent investigative work, the two suspects were traced and arrested in Barkly West on 26 February 2019. One of the suspects was positively identified by the victim and was subsequently prosecuted.
“The second accused could not be linked to the offence and was acquitted. Detective Sergeant Desmond Modise was commended for his professionalism, dedication and commitment throughout the investigation. His efforts in tracing and apprehending the accused ultimately contributed to securing a conviction and a lengthy prison sentence for the heinous crimes committed,” said Shemane.
He said the Frances Baard District management welcomes the conviction and sentencing of Khoza for house robbery and rape. Shemane said Khoza was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for house robbery and 15 years for rape.
“The sentences will run concurrently with a 5 years sentence previously imposed, resulting in an effective sentence of 25 years’ direct imprisonment,” he said.
The Guardian 