By OBAKENG MAJE
19 February 2026- The accused, Boitumelo Diphatse (46) was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for two counts of rape. The court heard that the victim, who was 19 years-old at the time of the offences in 2024, was in a romantic relationship with the accused.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said on 24 December 2024, the accused and the victim were sitting outside her home consuming alcohol when he dragged her inside the house and raped her. Gunya said on 26 December 2024, after finding the victim standing on the street with another male, Diphatse forcefully dragged her to his home, where he kept her against her will overnight and raped her multiple times.
“The abuse escalated, driven by jealousy. The accused subsequently set fire to the victim’s parental home and later burned the homestead of her uncle. Diphatse was arrested on 10 January 2025 and remained in custody until the finalisation of the matter.
“During the trial, the accused was legally represented and pleaded guilty to the charges. In mitigation of sentence, through his legal representatives, he expressed remorse, cited his minor children, and submitted that he was capable of rehabilitation,” he said.
The state prosecutor, Kgotso Mosanya argued that the offences were extremely serious and emphasised that domestic violence remains a grave social ill, with victims often being among the most vulnerable members of society. Mosanya submitted that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
The state also presented a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Molebogeng Olifant, in which the complainant detailed the profound emotional and psychological harm she suffered.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Buti Zulu concurred with the state’s submissions and imposed two life terms for the rape convictions, along with additional sentences for kidnapping and arson.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence. Diphatse was further sentenced to three years imprisonment for kidnapping and ten years imprisonment for two counts of arson.
“His name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. The sentences will run concurrently,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, the North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Mosanya, Olifant and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their diligent collaboration.
“This sentence sends a resolute message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue perpetrators of gender-based violence, ensuring justice restores dignity for victims,” she said.
The Guardian 