THE Bultfontein Regional Court has sentenced Pule Richard Motseu (24) from Phahong, near Welkom, to life imprisonment for rape and 15 years for aggravated robbery.
The conviction stems from a brutal attack on 28 May 2023, when he assaulted and repeatedly raped a 22-year-old woman, a former schoolmate, after robbing her and her friend at gunpoint.
The victim and her friend were walking to a tavern around 10 pm when Motseu confronted them, demanding their cellphones and money.
While the victim’s friend managed to escape, the victim was forcibly taken to a nearby abandoned house, where Motseu raped her multiple times, including in an outside toilet.
After the attack, the traumatised victim fled and reported the incident to the police the following morning.
The victim identified Motseu as her attacker, recalling that they had attended the same school.
Despite his arrest, Motseu denied any involvement, claiming he was elsewhere at the time.
However, the court rejected his alibi, relying on the victim’s testimony despite the absence of DNA evidence.
Prosecutor Magangeni Baloyi emphasised the severity of the crimes, urging the court to impose the maximum sentences.
The court concurred, sentencing Motseu to life imprisonment for rape and 15 years for armed robbery.
His name will also be entered into the National Register of Sex Offenders.
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson for the Free State, highlighted the importance of successful prosecutions in gender-based violence cases.
“These outcomes provide justice and closure to victims and their families while ensuring violent criminals are removed from our streets,” he said. – Staff Reporter