Mokopane: A 30-year-old male, Hasani Bennett Chauke, was sentenced to eighteen years in prison by the Mokopane Regional Court for crimes including rape, contravening the Immigration Act, and resisting arrest.

According to South African Police Service, the court proceedings revealed that on 21 October 2023, the 25-year-old victim was at Boiza tavern with her partner when Chauke, her ex-boyfriend, found her. A confrontation ensued as Chauke forcibly dragged the victim away from her partner, leading to a physical assault. Chauke then followed the victim home, where he assaulted and raped her.

The victim’s mother intervened, prompting Chauke to flee the scene. The incident was reported to the authorities, and a case was opened, subsequently transferred to the Mokopane Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit for detailed investigation.

Despite Chauke’s attempts to evade capture and resist arrest, police employed necessary force to detain him. He remained in custody without bail until his conviction. Chauke received a 15-year sentence for rape, a 2-year sentence for violating immigration laws, and a 1-year sentence for resisting arrest.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, expressed satisfaction with the sentencing and praised the efforts of the investigating officer and the team in delivering justice to the victim.