By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 September 2025- A lengthy sentence was recently handed down to two men in the Keimoes Regional Court for kidnapping and rape of a woman (24). The incident happened on 24 January 2020, when the victim was sleeping at her boyfriend’s place, and the two accused, Tozamile Verster (24) and Reggie April (18), arrived at their place.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said they attacked the boyfriend with stones, and he subsequently escaped and fled to seek help. Masegela said the two accused remained behind with the victim and kept her captive.
“They forcefully dragged her along the river’s side stream, assaulted, and repeatedly raped her until the following morning and made demands to be paid for her release.
“Soon after noticing the police searching for the victim in the area, they released her. The duo was later arrested and charged for kidnapping and rape,” she said.
Masegela further said on 29 August 2025, Tozamiele Verster was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for rape and 5 years for kidnapping, and his accomplice, Reggie April was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape and 5 years for kidnapping, which will run concurrently. She added that they were also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearm Act 60/ 2000 Section 103
Meanwhile, the ZFM District Management acknowledged the meticulous investigation by Sergeant Derick Dippenaar for securing the hefty sentences and ensuring that GBVF perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Guardian 