A Galeshewe man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape of a 32-year-old woman he was considered a family friend to, in a case the Galeshewe Regional Court concluded this week.
The court found that on 20 July 2024, the victim was asleep in her shack when she was awakened by a knock at her door in the early hours of the morning. Recognising the voice of the visitor as 23-year-old Hughlin Swarts, a well-known family friend, she opened the door and allowed him inside.
The woman offered Swarts a place to sleep before returning to her own bed. Moments later, she was awakened by the sensation of being strangled. She realised it was Swarts, who then threatened to stab her if she screamed and proceeded to rape her.
Following the assault, the victim managed to escape and immediately reported the incident to the police. The police acted swiftly, leading to the arrest of Swarts.
Throughout the judicial process, Swarts abandoned his right to apply for bail and remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial.
The Galeshewe Regional Court recently found Hughlin Swarts guilty of rape. In addition to the 15-year imprisonment sentence, the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm. His name will also be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders.
