Kimberley, Northern Cape – In a significant victory for justice and the fight against gender-based violence, the Hartswater Regional Court has sentenced 27-year-old Tsholofelo Sydney Wesi to 26 years’ imprisonment for the heinous crimes of rape and robbery. The conviction comes after Wesi assaulted a 27-year-old female victim on Saturday, September 7, 2019, in a shocking incident that sent shockwaves through the community of Sekhing village, Pampierstad.
The victim, who was hitch-hiking home, was offered help by Wesi, who pretended to be a Good Samaritan. Tragically, his intentions were far from noble. Instead, he brandished a knife, robbed the victim of her money, and subjected her to a horrifying ordeal, raping her twice in different locations.
The Hartswater Regional Court, in a firm stance against such heinous acts, sentenced Wesi to 18 years’ imprisonment for the two counts of rape and an additional 8 years for the robbery. Both sentences are to run concurrently, ensuring that Wesi faces the consequences of his actions. Furthermore, the Court ruled that Wesi's name be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders, and he is declared unfit to possess a firearm, underscoring the severity of his crimes.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola expressed her satisfaction with the Court's decision, emphasizing its importance as a deterrent against potential rapists. She praised the dedication and expertise of Hartswater FCS Detective Sergeant Edwin Thabapelo, whose relentless efforts played a crucial role in ensuring justice prevailed.
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