A 64-year-old Eastern Cape man, Teyise Bako, has been sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment for the rape and attempted murder of his 49-year-old ex-girlfriend after he broke a window while she was asleep, forcibly took her to his residence and raped her during the night.
The violent attack took place at Polar Park on February 25, 2025, at approximately 11:40pm.
The woman was asleep at her residence in Kiviet Street, Polar Park, when she was awakened by the sound of a window breaking.
Eastern Cape provincial police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said she discovered that her former boyfriend had broken a window in a spare bedroom to gain entry into the house.
“The victim fled from the residence and attempted to seek assistance.”
However, Bako caught up with her and stabbed her in the neck with a knife.
“He then forcibly took her to his residence, situated a short distance from her home, where he raped her during the night.”
The following morning, the traumatised woman reported the incident at SAPS Chatty, where Bako was subsequently arrested on charges of rape, kidnapping and attempted murder.
Van Rensburg said Bako was found guilty on March 24.
He was sentenced on September 1, 2026.
Bako was sentenced as follows:
- Count 1 – Rape: life imprisonment
- Count 2 – Housebreaking with intent to assault: four years’ imprisonment
- Count 3 – Kidnapping: four years’ imprisonment
- Count 4 – Attempted murder: life imprisonment
- Count 5 – Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm: 10 years’ imprisonment
The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
“In addition, Bako was declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his details will be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders.”
Van Rensburg said the investigation was conducted by Detective Constable Bulelani Mgebisa of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
Sentence sends a message
Meanwhile, the Nelson Mandela Bay Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, welcomed the sentence and commended Mgebisa for ensuring that the case was thoroughly investigated and for the success in court.
“This sentence sends a strong message that gender-based violence, rape and violence against women will not be tolerated. We commend the victim for having the courage to report this horrific ordeal and for persevering through the criminal justice process.”
Ngalo said the SAPS remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of such serious crimes are held accountable and face the full might of the law.
“We also encourage victims of gender-based violence to report these crimes to the police so that we can intervene, investigate and ensure that justice is served.”
Ngalo said the SAPS welcomes the substantial sentence and remains committed to combating gender-based violence and sexual offences and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Members of the community are encouraged to report incidents of gender-based violence and sexual offences to the police and to seek assistance and protection where necessary.”
