By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 June 2026 – The excellent investigative work by Detective Constable Vellile Zwelibanzi of Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, ensured that justice was served for the then victim (7) who was nearly raped by a man (63) on 16 January 2024. This came after the accused invited the victim to his house to assist him with the washing of the dishes.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said while she was busy washing the dishes, the accused took her to his bedroom, where he undressed and tried to rape her. Litabe said his attempts failed and the victim started to cry.
“Soon after, he stopped, told the victim to get dressed and not to tell anyone. The matter was only reported to the police on 28 January 2026, after her mother became suspicious.
“A case of attempted rape was reported at Kuruman Police Station and it was assigned to Zwelibanzi who delivered a meticulous investigation. The accused was found guilty of attempted rape and sentenced to ten years imprisonment by the Kuruman Regional Court,” he said.
Litabe further said his name will be registered in the National Register of Sexual Offenders and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the acting John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, welcomed the sentence and praised Zwelibanzi for his diligence and dedication in investigating the case.
The Guardian 