Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Raping Family
Friend in Northern Cape
Gino September, a 22-year-old man from Northern Cape, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a 21-year-old woman at her family's lodge in Griekwastad.
The incident occurred on the night of July 5, 2025, when September, who had been a family friend for approximately six years, visited the residence of the complainant. After spending the evening with the family, the other family members retired to their bedrooms, leaving September and the complainant alone watching TV in the living room.
According to the court, September unexpectedly professed his love to the 21-year-old woman, but she immediately rejected his advances. He then asked her to engage in sexual intercourse with him. The woman asked September to leave, but instead of leaving, he took out a knife, threatened to stab her, ordered her to remove her clothing, and forced her onto the couch before he raped her.
The court heard that DNA evidence linked September to the crime. During the trial, September pleaded not guilty, claiming the sexual intercourse was consensual. However, State Prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela presented compelling evidence dismissing these claims.
The complainant testified in court after receiving extensive support and preparation from Court Preparation Officer Lindokuhle Sikhakhane, who conducted numerous court preparation sessions to assist her throughout the judicial process. In its judgment, the court found the complainant to be a credible and reliable single witness whose evidence remained consistent and her version corroborated the medical and DNA evidence.
The court further rejected September’s version of events and called it false beyond reasonable doubt. In aggravation of sentence, the State argued that rape is a selfish and heinous offence that leaves victims with lasting emotional scars, strips them of their dignity, and violates their bodily integrity and privacy.
The court sentenced September to 15 years' direct imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, welcomed the sentencing. "The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual offences and ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence receive the support and protection they need throughout the criminal justice process. This conviction and sentence reaffirm that offenders who violate the dignity, bodily integrity and fundamental rights of others will be held accountable for their actions," Senokoatsane said.
Court Proceedings
The complainant received extensive support and preparation from Court Preparation Officer Lindokuhle Sikhakhane, who conducted numerous court preparation sessions to assist her throughout the judicial process.
State Prosecutor
State Prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela presented compelling evidence dismissing September's claims of consensual sex.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
The spokesperson for the NPA in the Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, welcomed the sentencing.
"The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual offences and ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence receive the support and protection they need throughout the criminal justice process. This conviction and sentence reaffirm that offenders who violate the dignity, bodily integrity and fundamental rights of others will be held accountable for their actions," Senokoatsane said.