By REGINALD KANYANE
23 November 2025- A man (31) from Kathu, near Kuruman has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for raping a patron at a tavern in Mapoteng village, near Kathu. The police said the incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, 4 June 2023.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the accused, Tshepang Seane, appeared in the Kathu Regional Court on 18 November 2025, where he was found guilty. Litabe said on the day of the incident, a female victim (36), was visiting the tavern with friends.
“She stepped behind a shack to relieve herself when the accused grabbed her from behind, while she was vulnerable and proceeded to rape her. After the assault, the accused fled, leaving the victim at the scene. The victim then reported the incident to the police. A case of rape was subsequently registered.
“Seane was arrested shortly thereafter and the case was assigned to Detective Constable Refilwe Rapelang of the Kathu Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS). The SAPS Provincial Management commended Rapelang’s meticulous investigation into the case,” he said.
Litabe further said as the nation will be observing the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children campaign, the police continue to assure the community that efforts will be enhanced and re-enforced when it comes to preventing and investigating crimes perpetrated against vulnerable persons and groups.
The Guardian 