The Bethulie Regional Court has handed down a 20-year prison sentence to 51-year-old Tsotang Francis Dineka, after finding him guilty on charges of rape and contravening a protection order.
The court heard that on the night of 22 February 2020, at approximately 23:15, a 26-year-old woman was walking home from a tavern in the area. She was accosted and harassed by Dineka. Later that night, the accused went to the victim’s home, gained entry by climbing through a window, and assaulted her.
According to trial testimony, Dineka slapped the victim before dragging her to his own house. There, he raped her. The victim was only able to escape the following morning with the crucial assistance of a neighbor. She immediately reported the violent attack to the South African Police Service.
Dineka was arrested the subsequent day.
In addition to the lengthy prison term, the court declared Dineka unfit to possess a firearm.
