The Kuruman Regional Court has sentenced two brothers, Omphile and Keolopile Thamage, both 29, to life imprisonment for multiple counts of rape.
The brothers, from Bankhara in the Northern Cape, were convicted following a series of attacks between 2022 and 2023, including the assault of a teenager and a 19-year-old woman.
The provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said this sentence has been widely welcomed.
According to information before the court, on January 14, 2022, Omphile Thamage attempted to rape a 15-year-old girl after she rejected his advances. He chased the girl to her home, which he entered and forced open a bedroom door to gain access to her, but he was interrupted by her parents before he could complete his crime.
On March 18, 2023, the brothers forced a 19-year-old woman from a tavern to her home, where they both raped her. After their arrest, the duo were linked to the rape with DNA.
The rapist brothers were convicted of their crimes on February 12, 2026.
“The brothers were found guilty after the court rejected their defences, including a claim of consent despite DNA evidence linking one of them to the crime,” Senokoatsane said.
Before the trial, the brothers who were out on bail had their bail rescinded after intimidating victims and witnesses.
“While out on bail, the accused allegedly intimidated the victims and witnesses and attempted to bribe them, leading to the cancellation of their bail. Intimidation reportedly continued through associates,” Senokoatsane said.
The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences and agreed with the State that life imprisonment was appropriate, noting the accused showed no remorse and posed a danger to society.
Omphile was sentenced to an additional eight years imprisonment for the attempted rape of the 15-year-old girl.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za
