Trusted to walk her home – instead, he raped her

A BARKLY West man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape of a 22-year-old woman, following a harrowing attack that took place in the early hours of June 1, 2024.

The Barkly West Regional Court found 32-year-old Tebogo Chesetsi guilty after an investigation led by the Galeshewe SAPS Family Violence, Sexual Offences and Child Protection (FCS) unit. Along with the sentence, his name will be added to the National Register for Sexual Offenders, and he has been declared unfit to possess a firearm.

According to the case presented in court, the victim had been walking home in Mataleng with friends when Chesetsi joined the group. As someone known to them, he offered to accompany the young woman home once the others left. But instead of walking her to safety, he demanded that she go to his house. When she refused, he dragged her into nearby bushes and raped her.

The ordeal ended when passers-by heard the commotion and intervened, forcing Chesetsi to flee. He was later arrested on June 3, 2024, and remained in custody through several court appearances until his conviction.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Litabe confirmed the sentence and praised the teamwork between the FCS unit’s Constable Setshego Matlhale and advocate Fatima Monyobo from the National Prosecuting Authority, whose efforts secured the conviction.

Provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola also commended the investigators for their dedication in ensuring justice for the victim.