The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in the Northern Cape has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of a rape accused by the Kuruman Regional Court.
The case relates to an incident that occurred on 15 January 2023 at approximately 04:00, when a 21-year-old woman was returning home from a nearby tavern with two relatives. A 25-year-old man, known to the victim, approached her and requested to speak with her. As they walked behind the relatives, the suspect proposed a romantic relationship, which the victim refused.
Upon nearing her residence, after her relatives had already entered the house, the suspect covered the victim’s mouth, forcibly carried her to the toilets behind an unoccupied house, and sexually assaulted her.
The victim reported the incident to her parents, leading to the suspect’s arrest the same day. He appeared in court and was released on bail pending trial.
On Tuesday, 13 May 2025, the Kuruman Regional Court found 26-year-old Tshwarelo Maibere guilty of rape. He was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, with three years suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of any sexual offence or attempted sexual offence during the suspension period.
Additionally, Maibere’s name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, barring him from certain employment and activities involving vulnerable groups.
