Bloemspruit: A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to an effective 18 years in prison following a brutal home invasion and rape in the Phomolong informal settlement of Bloemspruit. The swift action of the victim and the thorough investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) led to his immediate arrest and subsequent conviction.
According to South African Police Service, the incident occurred on 6 October 2025, at approximately 02:00. The 21-year-old victim was asleep in her home when her 36-year-old immediate neighbor, the suspect, began to bang on her door, demanding entry. Despite her refusal to open, the suspect forcibly kicked and broke down the door. He then proceeded to rape the victim in front of her four-year-old daughter, who cried witnessing the horrifying ordeal.
After the assault, the suspect reportedly told the victim not to inform his wife and offered her R1500. The brave victim immediately fled to a neighbour’s house, who contacted the police. The suspect was arrested and has remained in custody since his apprehension.
Bloemspruit police opened cases of housebreaking with intent to rape and rape. The investigation was transferred to the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, where it was handled by Sergeant Tiisetso Lentsa. Working closely with Advocate Herholdt, the suspect was found guilty on both charges.
The Bloemfontein Regional Court sentenced the perpetrator to 18 years imprisonment for rape and 5 years for housebreaking with intent to rape, but the 4 years will run concurrently with the 18-year sentence. The suspect will therefore serve 18 years in prison.