Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division Pretoria photo by Dimakatso Modipa
By Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson Gauteng Division
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a life imprisonment sentence against former general worker at the City Tshwane Municipality , Matome Seloesa (42), after he was convicted of raping a 39-year-old woman.
The sentence demonstrates the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are held accountable for their crimes.
On the morning of 27 May 2023, the victim was on her way to Sunnyside to visit a friend when she stopped at a City of Tshwane municipal building and requested permission to use the toilet.
As she made her way to the facility, Seloesa followed her, locked her inside the toilet, and repeatedly raped and assaulted her while threatening to kill her.
After the assault, Seloesa instructed the victim to remain in the toilet while he went to purchase food.
Once he had left, the victim managed to escape from the building and approached a police vehicle stationed nearby.
She immediately reported the incident.
While she was speaking to the police, Seloesa approached and falsely claimed that the victim was his girlfriend.
When the victim realised that her complaint was not being taken seriously, she ran to a nearby residence and informed the occupants about what had transpired.
The occupants assisted her in contacting other police officers, leading to Seloesa’s arrest at his workplace later that day.
During the trial, Seloesa pleaded not guilty and claimed that the complainant was both his girlfriend and a sex worker.
However, State Prosecutor Sfiso Hlongwane presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, which proved the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
During sentencing proceedings, Seloesa, through his legal representative, requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
He submitted that he was a first-time offender, had three minor children who were dependent on him, and that the offence should not be viewed as serious.
Hlongwane opposed these submissions, arguing that Seloesa had demonstrated no remorse for his actions.
Hlongwane pointed out that the accused continued to insist that the victim was his girlfriend despite not knowing her.
Hlongwane further submitted that rape is a heinous and serious offence in which perpetrators exert power and control over victims through violence and intimidation.
Hlongwane further argued that South Africa continues to face a severe challenge regarding gender-based violence and that offenders such as Seloesa contribute to the perpetuation of these crimes.
Hlongwane also highlighted that the accused deliberately attempted to mislead the police while the victim was trying to report the offence.
As part of the sentencing proceedings, Hlongwane presented a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Joyce Makwela.
In the statement, the victim described how she had to terminate a pregnancy that resulted from the rape and how she continues to suffer medical complications that have had significant financial implications.
She also explained that the incident negatively affected her engagement and that she continues to experience psychological trauma.
In handing down sentence, the court agreed with the State that Seloesa had shown no remorse and had exploited a vulnerable woman who had simply sought to use a public restroom.
The court further found that Seloesa was not the primary caregiver of his children, who reside with their respective mothers.
The Magistrate noted that the accused showed no mercy towards the victim, repeatedly threatening to kill her while subjecting her to a prolonged and violent assault.
The court further emphasised its duty to ensure that women are able to move freely and safely within society and that sentences must send a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated.
Having found no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a lesser sentence, the court imposed the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment.
The NPA welcomes the sentence and believes it sends a strong message that sexual offences and all forms of gender-based violence will be met with the full force of the law.
The Authority remains committed to supporting victims in their pursuit of justice and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.
This sentence serves as a reminder that no one is above the law and that the criminal justice system will continue to prioritise the protection of women and vulnerable members of society.
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