‘No means no’ - Driver jailed for raping girlfriend after she refused sex

A 31-year-old transport driver has been sentenced to eight years in prison for raping his girlfriend after she explicitly told him she was too exhausted to engage in sexual activity. The court in Tlhabane found the accused guilty of having intercourse with the victim without her consent on November 11, 2023. The police received a report from the victim, leading to his arrest.

The court ruled that the accused is unfit to own a firearm and barred from working with children. During the trial, prosecutors emphasized the importance of the "no means no" principle, stressing that sexual activity without consent is considered rape. The judge noted that the man pleaded not guilty and showed no remorse during the proceedings.

The Acting District Commissioner commended the detective and prosecutor involved in securing justice for the victim, reiterating that consent is crucial in any sexual relationship and that a refusal must be respected.