Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has welcomed a series of prison sentences handed down to sexual offenders in the province between October and November 2025, saying the convictions show decisive action toward protecting communities. Police spokesperson Col Adele Myburgh provided details of the cases, which span courts in Klerksdorp, Vryburg and Mmabatho, and involve both adult and juvenile suspects.
In Klerksdorp, serial rapist Elias Thejane (39) was sentenced by the Sexual Offences Regional Court to two life terms plus an additional 48 years for rapes committed in Kanana between December 2012 and October 2014. Thejane was arrested in October 2015 after an extensive investigation by the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) unit. He had previously been released on bail but was later rearrested and convicted on a separate case involving burglary and two counts of rape in Bothaville.
In Vryburg, Jeffrey Dikgwatle (26) received a life sentence from the local magistrate’s court for raping a 24-yearold woman in July 2019. The conviction followed an incident in Huhudi where the victim was attacked while walking home from a party.
A teenager was sentenced to 16 years by the Mmabatho Child Justice Court. The charges relate to separate incidents last year in which young boys were attacked; the cases were brought after the victims or their families reported the crimes.
Other verdicts: Three additional accused were handed a combined 47 years for offences committed in Ikageng, Setlagole and Letlhabile between May 2015 and March 2025.
In all the cases reported, courts declared the convicted persons unfit to possess firearms and ordered that their names be added to the National Register for sexual offenders.
The provincial police described the sentences as a signal that sexual violence will be vigorously prosecuted. They reiterated calls for survivors and witnesses to report offences so that investigations can proceed and perpetrators brought to justice.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact local SAPS stations, social services or health facilities for assistance.
