The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully secured a sentence of life imprisonment against 36-year-old Tshidiso Mofokeng in the Bethlehem Regional Court for the rape and kidnapping of his former girlfriend.
The court heard that on 8 December 2025, the complainant was walking home from a tavern in Reitz, in the Eastern Free State, when she was approached by Mofokeng. He demanded that she accompany him to his residence so that they could talk. Fearing him because of his history of violence during their relationship, the complainant complied.
Upon arriving at his residence, Mofokeng assaulted the complainant by kicking and beating her and striking her with a car radio aerial. He subsequently raped her and unlawfully confined her to a room, leaving her without food. The complainant sustained injuries and was left lying on a bed while Mofokeng only occasionally checked on her.
On the second day of her ordeal, Mofokeng raped her again. He continued to hold her against her will for three days. On the third day, the complainant managed to call out to children through a window and asked them to contact her mother.
Her mother immediately went to Mofokeng’s residence and demanded her daughter’s release. By that stage, the complainant was so weak that her mother and other bystanders had to carry her to a vehicle before she could be transported to hospital for medical treatment.
The matter was reported to the police, and Mofokeng was subsequently arrested and charged with rape and kidnapping. The prosecution, working closely with the investigating officer, Constable Mosikili of the Bethlehem Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, successfully opposed bail. Mofokeng remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.
In aggravation of sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor Jaco Scholtz argued that the accused had shown no mercy towards the complainant, subjecting her to repeated rape, physical violence and unlawful confinement. He submitted that the offences were particularly heinous and warranted a sentence that reflected their gravity and the profound impact on the victim.
Prosecutor Scholtz further argued that the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment was appropriate in the circumstances, given the seriousness of the offences and the aggravating features of the case. The Regional Court agreed with the State’s submissions and sentenced Mofokeng to life imprisonment.
The NPA said it commends Prosecutor Scholtz and Constable Mosikili for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring that the accused was held accountable for these serious crimes.
This successful prosecution sends a clear message that perpetrators of gender-based violence and sexual offences will face the full consequences of their actions. The NPA further commends the complainant for her courage and resilience throughout the legal process, which contributed significantly to securing justice in this matter.
