The Phuthaditjhaba Regional Court has sentenced a 37-year-old man to 18 years in prison for raping his 24-year-old sister. The incident occurred in March 2019 in Thibela village, Free State. Police arrested the perpetrator after the victim reported the assault.
In March 2019, a 24-year-old woman from Thibela village in the Free State returned home from a local tavern. She entered her house, locked the door, and went to bed. During the night, while asleep, she felt someone touching her and realized it was her 37-year-old brother.
Out of fear, the victim could not scream as her brother undressed and raped her several times. He then fled the scene through a broken door. The woman immediately reported the incident to the police, who arrested the man.
Police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring detailed the events, noting the victim's prompt action in reporting the crime. The Phuthaditjhaba Regional Court convicted the brother and imposed an 18-year prison sentence.
This case comes amid broader concerns in the Free State, where a 2024 crime statistics report indicated an increase in rape cases, along with attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and common assault, between October and December.