By: Matshidiso Selebeleng

 The Acting District Commissioner of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, welcomed the sentence of the two cousins who were sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of rape.

Kelopile Thamage and Omphile Thamage’s sentence comes after they were accused of raping an 18-year-old woman who was walking home from a tavern in Kuruman on 18 March 2023.

It is reported that the two cousins, both aged 25 at the time of the incident, approached the victim along the way and asked her to wait for them.

“After catching up with her, the trio walked together briefly before they forcefully dragged her to one of their homes, where they took turns raping her. After the ordeal, the victim managed to escape and reported the matter to the police. A case of rape was subsequently registered, leading to the arrest of both suspects,” said police spokesperson.

The victim reported that she was with friends when the accused called her and forced her to accompany him to a friend’s house, when she resisted, he threatened her with a knife.

She narrated that while walking, a neighbour noticed the altercation and attempted to intervene, but the accused ignored the warning.

“The victim later managed to break free and ran home, with the accused in pursuit. He followed her into the house, forced open her bedroom door after she had locked herself inside, but fled when family members intervened,” read the statement.

A case of attempted rape was opened at Kuruman Police Station, which ultimately led to conviction and a sentence of eight years’ direct imprisonment.

Both cases were investigated by Detective Constable Beuty Majola of the Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

Baloyi commended Detective Constable Majola for her dedication and further encouraged other members to demonstrate the same level of commitment in the execution of their duties.