A multi-agency collaboration between the Phuthaditjhaba Family, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has resulted in the successful conviction and sentencing of 55-year-old Matlepe Nhlapo to 17 years’ direct imprisonment for rape, kidnapping, and firearm-related charges.
The conviction stems from a traumatic incident that occurred on April 20, 2024, in Moeding Village. According to evidence presented in court, a 35-year-old woman from Tseseng, Moeding, was at home with her family when they heard a knock at the door. Upon opening it, she was confronted by Nhlapo, who resided on the same street. The accused was armed with a firearm.
Nhlapo then forcefully dragged the victim to his own residence. There, he raped her and held her captive, locking her inside the house until the following morning when he finally released her.
Immediately after her release, the victim returned home and reported the entire ordeal to her grandmother. She then proceeded to a local police station to formally open a case against her assailant.
The subsequent investigation led to the swift arrest of Nhlapo, who was charged with kidnapping and rape. The case was thoroughly investigated by Detective Sergeant Tlaleng Mohale.
The trial, presided over by Magistrate Msimanga in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court, concluded with Nhlapo being found guilty on three counts: kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and rape. In addition to his prison sentence, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
