Former Tshwane Municipal worker sentenced to life in prison for rape

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a life imprisonment sentence for former City of Tshwane municipal worker Matome Seloesa, 42, following his conviction for the rape of a 39-year-old woman.

The sentence was handed down after the court found that Seloesa showed no remorse for the crime and had subjected the victim to a prolonged and violent assault.

The incident occurred on the morning of 27 May 2023, when the victim was travelling to Sunnyside to visit a friend. She stopped at a City of Tshwane municipal building and asked for permission to use the toilet.

In a statement on Friday NPA said Seloesa followed the woman into the facility, locked her inside the toilet and repeatedly raped and assaulted her while threatening to kill her.

After the attack, Seloesa allegedly instructed the woman to remain inside the toilet while he went to buy food. She managed to escape and approached a nearby police vehicle, where she reported the incident.

While she was speaking to police, Seloesa allegedly approached her and falsely claimed that she was his girlfriend.

The woman then sought help from residents at a nearby house, who assisted her in contacting other police officers. Seloesa was subsequently arrested at his workplace later that day.

During the trial, Seloesa pleaded not guilty and claimed that the complainant was his girlfriend and a sex worker.

However, State Prosecutor Sfiso Hlongwane presented evidence, including the victim's testimony, which the court found sufficient to prove Seloesa's guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

During sentencing proceedings, Seloesa's legal representative asked the court to impose a sentence below the prescribed minimum of life imprisonment. The defence argued that he was a first-time offender and had three minor children who depended on him.

Hlongwane opposed the application, arguing that Seloesa had shown no remorse and had continued claiming that the victim was his girlfriend despite not knowing her.

The State also highlighted the seriousness of rape and the role of violence, intimidation and the abuse of power in gender-based violence.

A Victim Impact Statement, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Joyce Makwela, was also presented to the court.

In the statement, the victim revealed that she had to terminate a pregnancy resulting from the rape and continues to experience medical complications that have placed a significant financial burden on her.

She also told the court that the attack negatively affected her engagement and left her suffering ongoing psychological trauma.

In handing down the sentence, the court agreed with the State that Seloesa had shown no remorse and had exploited a vulnerable woman who had merely sought to use a public restroom.

The court also found that he was not the primary caregiver of his children, who live with their respective mothers.

The magistrate noted that Seloesa had shown no mercy towards the victim and had repeatedly threatened to kill her during the violent assault.

The court emphasised the need to ensure that women can move freely and safely in society and that sentences must send a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated.

Finding no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence, the court imposed life imprisonment.

The NPA welcomed the sentence, saying it demonstrates its commitment to combating gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are held accountable.

The authority said the sentence should serve as a warning that sexual offences and gender-based violence will be met with the full force of the law, adding that the criminal justice system will continue to prioritise the protection of women and other vulnerable members of society.