A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to an effective 26 years in prison for the rape and assault of a teenage girl in Deneysville in March 2022.
Tumelo Christian Khotha was convicted by the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court and sentenced on 20 June 2025 for rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
The court heard that on 6 March 2022, at approximately 00:40, the victim—then 17 years old—was walking home from a play rehearsal with her boyfriend when two African males began chasing them. The boyfriend fled, leaving the victim behind.
One of the suspects, later identified as Khotha, forcibly took the victim to his home. According to her testimony, she was repeatedly raped throughout the night and physically assaulted with fists. She was released the following morning at around 07:00.
The victim, now 20, reported the incident to the police with the support of her parents, leading to the opening of a rape and GBH case. The investigation was handled by Sergeant Agnes Mankge of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit in Zamdela.
With the guidance of Public Prosecutor Mrs. Marase, Sergeant Mankge secured Khotha’s arrest. After a thorough trial, Khotha was convicted and handed a substantial prison term, ensuring justice for the survivor.
The sentencing has been welcomed as a significant step in holding perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable. Authorities have commended the victim’s bravery in pursuing the case and the diligent work of law enforcement in securing a conviction.
