GQEBERHA - A 44-year-old (35 at the time of offence) Motherwell pastor was sentenced today in the Motherwell Regional court to 7 years imprisonment for raping a 22-year-old (now 31) man in 2013.

The victim became acquainted with the accused, Luthando Matodlana via a social networking app- Mixit in January 2013. The victim visited Matodlana at his house between February and March 2013 during which time he was raped. After sharing his experience on social media in 2020, the victim was advised to open a case. In October 2020, Matodlana was arrested and subsequently released on bail.

Last week he was found guilty of rape and was immediately remanded in custody until his sentencing today, 26 May 2022.

Acting Nelson Mandela District Commissioner, Brigadier Thandiswa Kupiso applauded the prowess of the Motherwell Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for ensuring a prison sentence for the accused. ‘Such sentencing brings hope to victims of sexual abuse and that justice will prevail no matter how long it takes, making sure that perverted predators cannot hide behind a façade. We encourage victims of Gender Based Violence to speak out against any form of abuse and to expose those responsible for such demeaning criminal acts,’ added Brig Kupiso.

Source: South African Police Service