Free State Man Jailed for 32 Years After Violent Attack on Couple Following HIV Accusation
A 28-year-old man from the Free State has been sentenced to 32 years in prison after a violent attack on a couple in Edenville, triggered by an accusation of HIV infection.
Thabang Jacob Masike confronted the couple, who were asleep in their home in the small farming town of Edenville, located in the Fezile Dabi district of the northern Free State, on 3 March 2022. Armed with a panga, Masike accused the woman's boyfriend's sister of infecting him with HIV, according to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane.
Senokoatsane said Masike forced the girlfriend to tie her boyfriend’s hands with a jersey before he restrained him even more with an electrical cord. The accused then assaulted the boyfriend with the panga and forced him into another room.
“Masike then abducted the complainant and her 18-month-old baby and raped her in a nearby field,” Senokoatsane said.
The NPA said the boyfriend managed to free himself, causing Masike to flee. The following day, the girlfriend reported the harrowing incident to the police and identified Masike, leading to his arrest.
During the court proceedings, Masike claimed that the sexual act with the girlfriend was consensual, but the Kroonstad Regional Court rejected his defence. Ultimately, the court convicted Masike on all charges, including rape, kidnapping, assault, intimidation, and malicious injury to property.
Masike received a sentence of four years for malicious injury to property, assault, and intimidation, three years for kidnapping, and 25 years for rape, without the possibility of parole. The court also ordered that Masike's name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Prosecutor Kholofelo Tlhaloane, assisted by court preparation officer Seloane Lenkoane, submitted a Victim Impact Statement as part of the sentencing aggravation. The statement detailed the devastating emotional and psychological effects experienced by the survivor.
Senokoatsane said the NPA commended Tlhaloane and Lenkoane for ensuring that Masike faced justice for his heinous crimes.
The NPA has welcomed the sentence, viewing it as a reflection of the seriousness of the offences and a stern warning that gender-based violence will not be tolerated in South Africa.
“The NPA remains committed to prioritising the prosecution of sexual offences and ensuring justice for victims,” Senokoatsane said. “All cases of sexual violence encroach on the constitutional rights of victims to dignity, freedom and privacy – rights the NPA is dedicated to protecting through vigorous prosecution.”
Follow Us on Twitter
