A 30-year-old man, Thabang Letsholo, has been handed an effective 30-year direct imprisonment sentence by the Tlhabane Magistrates' Court for raping a woman and robbing a young couple in Freedom Park on 17 November 2023.The court convicted him of robbery with aggravating circumstances, rape, and kidnapping.Letsholo confronted the couple during the evening, raped the female victim, and stole their cellphone, laptop, and shoes before fleeing.He was arrested two days later and remained in custody until his conviction on 29 June 2026.The court imposed 15 years for robbery on Count 1 and 15 years for robbery on Count 2, with the latter running concurrently.An additional 15 years for rape resulted in the total 30-year sentence.The court also declared him unfit to possess firearms.

Acting District Commissioner Mamotsamai Ntoagae praised the sentence as a demonstration of the justice system's commitment to holding violent offenders accountable.The case was investigated by Detective Sergeant Thabiso Sefora and prosecuted by Advocate Mputla.

Police emphasized the sentence reflects the system's stance against violent crimes and serves as a warning to offenders preying on vulnerable victims.