MAN RECEIVES 20-YEAR DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE, KIDNAPPING, AND HOUSEBREAKING

By: Neo Ntsele

The Phuthaditjhaba Regional Court has sentenced Moses Teboho Mabe to 20 years of direct imprisonment after he was found guilty of rape, kidnapping, and housebreaking.

The sentence was delivered on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

Detective Sergeant Tlaleng Mohale of the SAPS Phuthaditjhaba Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit conducted the investigation.

On Thursday, 25 December 2025, around 21:00, a 35-year-old woman from Phomolong Section in Tseki Village, Qwaqwa, was at home sleeping with her children when she felt someone touch her shoulder.

Upon opening her eyes, she found her neighbour, Mabe, aged 32, standing beside her.

The accused instructed her to remain silent and threatened her, implying consequences if she disobeyed.

He then ordered her to follow him, leaving her two children alone at home.

He took the victim to a nearby donga, where he raped her.

After the assault, he directed her to follow him to his shack.

The victim asked to return home first to check on her children.

He accompanied her back to her shack and waited outside.

Once inside, the victim closed the door and barricaded it with heavy objects to prevent him from entering.

She later heard him vomiting outside before it became quiet.

When she was sure it was safe, she went to a neighbour and reported the incident.

The matter was then reported to the police, leading to an investigation that resulted in the accused's conviction and sentencing.