Thabang Jacob Masike, 28, launched into the horror attack on a couple who were sleeping after accusing the boyfriend’s sister of infecting him with HIV. He has been jailed for 32 years
A man has been jailed for 32 years after he violently kidnapped and raped a couple in a horrific attack.
The victims were asleep in Edenville, a small farming town in the Fezile Dabi District, Northern Free State, South Africa, when Thabang Jacob Masike, 28, confronted them on March 3, 2022. Armed with a panga – a large knife used as both a tool and a weapon – Masike accused the man’s sister of infecting him with HIV, prosecutors said.
He then forced the woman to tie her boyfriend’s hands with a jersey before restraining him further with an electric cord. Mojalefa Senokoatsane, a regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa, said Masike assaulted the boyfriend with the panga and forced him into another room.
Masike went on to abduct the woman alongside her 18-month-old baby – and raped the victim in a nearby field. Meanwhile, the victim’s boyfriend managed to free himself and fled. The following day, the woman reported the incident to the police, leading to Masike’s arrest.
During his trial at the Kroonstad Regional Court in Free State, the accused claimed the sexual act with the woman was consensual – but his defence was rejected. Masike was convicted on all charges and sentenced to 32 years in prison.
The sentence includes four years for malicious injury to property, assault and intimidation, three years for kidnapping and 25 years for rape, without the possibility of parole. His name will also be added into the National Register for Sex Offenders, said Mr Senokoatsane.
The NPA said prosecutor Kholofelo Tlhaloane “handed in a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Seloane Lenkoane, which detailed the devastating emotional and psychological consequences suffered by the survivor.” In its press release, the NPA said it welcomed the sentence “as a reflection of the seriousness of the offences and a stern warning that gender-based violence will not be tolerated.”
Mr Senokoatsane added: “The NPA remains committed to prioritising the prosecution of sexual offences and ensuring justice for victims. 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.”
