The Zeerust Regional Court has sentenced two men to life imprisonment for their involvement in the rape of a young woman in March 2021. Gopolang Seikaneng, 34, received a life sentence for rape and an additional eight years for attempted rape, while his co-accused, Jacob Mosimane Sebogodi, 42, was handed two life sentences for two counts of rape.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on the evening of March 11, 2021, at a local tavern in Zeerust. The two accused offered two 21-year-old women a ride to their homes in Gopane village. Instead, they diverted to an abandoned house where both men took turns raping one of the victims. Sebogodi subsequently took the same victim to his residence and raped her again the following morning before returning her to the abandoned house. Seikaneng took the second victim to his residence, where he attempted to rape her.
Both men were arrested on March 19, 2021, after the victims positively identified them. They were denied bail and remained in custody until sentencing. Despite pleading not guilty, they were convicted based on overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.
In aggravation of sentence, state advocate Ntebaleng Mabale highlighted the high prevalence of gender-based violence in South Africa and the vulnerability of women and young people. Victim Impact Statements detailed the profound physical and psychological trauma suffered by the victims. Magistrate Okaeng Mothibi noted the lack of remorse shown by the accused and emphasized the need for courts to protect victims and send a strong message of deterrence.
Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the collaborative efforts of the South African Police Service, the prosecution team, and all stakeholders involved, stating that the outcome serves as a significant deterrent to perpetrators of gender-based violence.
