BETHLEHEM - On 27 April 2021 at about 14:30, the 45-year-old victim Nomasondo Cecilia Vilakazi was at a tavern in Bohlokomg when her 35-year-old former boyfriend, Sebuti Molelekwa called her outside.

He then grabbed her by the hand and dragged her to his residence where he locked her inside his house for three days, raped and assaulted her. The victim sustained serious injuries.

On the third day, while Sebuti was asleep, she managed to get the key from his trouser, unlocked the door and escaped.

She was assisted by the neighbours who alerted the police and her elder sister who then took her to the hospital to receive medical treatment.

The investigating officer, Detective Constable Khehla Innocent Misikili arrested the suspect on 03 May 2021 and he has been remanded in custody until his sentencing.

Magistrate Lindiswa Mpama found him guilty on all the charges. On 21 June 2022, she sentenced him to 25 years imprisonment for rape, five years imprisonment for assault with assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and five years’ imprisonment for kidnapping. The charges will run concurrently.

Source: South African Police Service