A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years’ direct imprisonment for breaking into an elderly woman’s home and raping her in Makeneng Village, Qwaqwa, in the Free State.
Paballo Ntsala was convicted on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, of housebreaking with intent to rape and rape following an investigation by the Phuthaditjhaba Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
The incident occurred on 8 February 2022, when the 80-year-old victim was asleep at home and heard her dining room window breaking.
When she went to investigate, she encountered an unknown man in the corridor who threatened to kill her if she made any noise.
The man demanded money, but the woman told him she had none. He then assaulted her and dragged her into a bedroom, where he raped her.
He also stole her cellphone and purse before fleeing, leaving the victim with a swollen face.
Police subsequently traced and arrested Ntsala following an investigation and assistance from the community.
The case was presided over by Magistrate Msimanga, with prosecutor Ms Nteo representing the State. Detective Warrant Officer Mphamo Mokoena of the Phuthaditjhaba FCS Unit investigated the case.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer and prosecution team for their efforts in securing the conviction.
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