A Free State rapist has been sentenced in the Sasolburg High Court after his attack on a physically challenged woman.
Tshepo Lethebe, 19, was found guilty of raping a 21-year-old woman.
The provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Sinah Mpakane said the attack happened on February 7, 2021.
“The victim was at her place when Lethebe entered her house and without uttering a word, he grabbed her by hand and dragged her to his place. On arrival, the accused undressed the victim and raped her,” Mpakane said.
After raping the woman, Lethebe fell asleep next to her.
“The victim got up, dressed herself, and ran away to ask for help. Lethebe was arrested on the same day by Sergeant Sara Maleka,” Mpakane said.
“Sergeant Maleka of the Mafube Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit and prosecutor Mthetwa worked tirelessly to send a strong message to women and child abusers like Tshepo Lethebe that their behaviour will never be tolerated.”
The court sentenced Lethebe to 15 years direct imprisonment.
In a separate incident, an elderly man appeared in the Petrusburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where he’s facing a charge of allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl.
Police said in July, the victim was at a school meeting when one of the parents told a teacher that the victim told other children that she normally went to the suspect's house and he allegedly rapes her.
The 82-year-old man remains in custody and is expected back in court on August 22 pending his bail application.