A Northern Cape man who raped a family friend after rejecting his advances has been sentenced in the Griekwastad Regional Court.
Gino September, 22, was convicted of the rape of a 21-year-old woman who was violated at her family home at the Heuningkrans Lodge in Griekwastad.
According to evidence before the court, on the night of July 5, 2025, 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.
The court heard 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. Shocked by his request, the woman asked September to leave.
Instead of leaving, September took out a knife, threatened to stab the woman, ordered her to remove her clothing, and forced her onto the couch before he raped her.
Evidence before the court also revealed 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.
Despite the significant emotional trauma she endured, the complainant testified in court after receiving extensive support and preparation from Court Preparation Officer (CPO) 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 prosecution further submitted that women are entitled to enjoy their constitutional rights to dignity, privacy and security, particularly within the safety of their own homes.
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.
