By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – A 30-year-old man from Boiketlo village in Namahadi has been sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and an additional 15 years for attempted murder by the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates’ Court.
Themba Malinga was sentenced on Thursday, 6 August, after being found guilty of raping a 25-year-old woman and attempting to kill her.
The incident occurred on 16 August four years ago when the victim was walking alone near a tavern. Malinga confronted her, and she recognised him.
During the trial, the court heard that Malinga covered the woman’s mouth with his hand before dragging her to a nearby donga. He instructed her to undress and raped her.
He then took the victim to his residence, where he continued to rape her several times during the night.
According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, the victim told police that at approximately 04:00 the following morning, Malinga attacked her with a broken beer bottle, seriously injuring her neck.
Malinga then fled the scene without providing assistance.Despite her injuries, the victim managed to reach a nearby house, where residents assisted her before she was taken to hospital.
Mophiring said Malinga was traced in 2022 but could not be arrested at the time.
“He was eventually arrested in 2025 after the victim unexpectedly came across him. She immediately went to the police station and reported his whereabouts. He was arrested, denied bail and remained in custody while the matter proceeded through court,” said Mophiring.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a strong message that crimes against women and children remain a priority for law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
The sentence brings the case to a close after years of waiting for justice for the victim.
