By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
3 August 2025 – A man (55) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court in Tlhabane for kidnapping and raping his ex-girlfriend. The accused, Ben Sedireng Jacob kidnapped and raped his ex-girlfriend (24) in October 2023, at Bethel Section, Kanana village, outside Rustenburg.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the complainant was on her way to Covid View when Jacob approached and grabbed her from behind. Mokgwabone said Jacob, who accused the victim of rushing to her new boyfriend, assaulted her with fists and pushed her into the stream.
“He further strangled and beat her in the face. The accused forced the victim to go with him to his friend’s place, where he raped her. Upon being released the next day, the complainant went to Boitekong Police Station to register a case, which was investigated by the Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
“The accused was arrested four days later. He made several court appearances until he was found guilty and sentenced to life for rape. He was also given an additional five years for kidnapping,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, thanked the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Phenyo Monchusi, the prosecution and all other role players for working together to secure the conviction. Asaneng said the sentence is a clear affirmation of the commitment and dedication of the police and prosecution to deal decisively with the pandemic of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in particular sexual violence against defenceless women whose rights are violated by heartless men who should be their protectors.
The Guardian 