The Parys Regional Court has sentenced 32-year-old Futhi Hlongwane to life imprisonment for rape on Monday, 18 August 2025.
On Saturday, 03 February 2024, at about 23:30, the 32-year-old victim was on her way to church when she met an unknown African male who grabbed and assaulted her. The suspect overpowered the victim and managed to undress and rape her.
After the whole ordeal, the victim ran to one of the nearby houses and sought help. The community started to search for the suspect, while Tumahole SAPS members assisted the victim to open a case and take her to the hospital. On their way back from the hospital, the police received a complaint of mob justice.
Upon arrival at the scene, the victim discovered that the person being assaulted by the community was the same suspect who had just attacked her. The suspect was arrested at the scene.
Detective Constable Motshwane Sehume attached to Tumahole Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit collected all the evidence, ensuring that the case stood strong in court to secure a judgment.
