The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Ryno Naidoo, has welcomed the direct imprisonment sentences handed down to two men convicted in separate rape and attempted rape cases.
He said the rulings demonstrated the justice system’s determination to confront gender-based violence and protect vulnerable members of society, the South African Police Service said on X over the weekend.
Rape conviction: Madikwe Regional Court
On 7 February 2020, a 32-year-old woman was attacked while walking home from a tavern. Evidence presented in court revealed that David Disemelo, 43, strangled and raped the victim on a public road before fleeing.
Police traced and arrested him shortly after the incident.
On 17 July 2025, the Madikwe Regional Court sentenced Disemelo to 10 years’ direct imprisonment after finding him guilty of rape.
Attempted rape conviction: Bafokeng Regional Court
In a separate case, Tshepo Puna Ndlovu, 37, was convicted of attempted rape after an incident on 8 July 2025.
A 41-year-old woman hosted her boyfriend and Ndlovu at her home in Tlhabane. After the boyfriend left, Ndlovu suggested sex. When the victim refused, he assaulted her with his fists.
Neighbours intervened after hearing her cries and police arrested Ndlovu shortly thereafter.
Ndlovu was denied bail and remained in custody until his conviction.
On 15 July 2025, the Bafokeng Regional Court sentenced him to 12years’ direct imprisonment.
Major General Naidoo praised the courts for imposing firm sentences, stating that the rulings sent a clear message that gender-based violence would not be tolerated.
He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to working closely with communities to ensure perpetrators were brought to justice.
- Major General Ryno Naidoo, Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, praised recent direct imprisonment sentences in gender-based violence cases.
- David Disemelo was sentenced to 10 years for raping a woman in 2020 after strangling her on a public road; he was arrested soon after the crime.
- Tshepo Puna Ndlovu received a 12-year sentence for attempted rape and assault after attacking a woman in her home in 2025; neighbors intervened and police arrested him.
- Both courts' firm rulings highlight the justice system’s stance against gender-based violence and its protection of vulnerable individuals.
- Police reaffirmed their commitment to community cooperation and ensuring perpetrators face justice.
He said the rulings demonstrated the justice system’s determination to confront gender-based violence and protect vulnerable members of society, the
On 7 February 2020, a 32-year-old woman was attacked while walking home from a tavern. Evidence presented in court revealed that David Disemelo, 43, strangled and raped the victim on a public road before fleeing.
Police traced and arrested him shortly after the incident.
On 17 July 2025, the Madikwe Regional Court sentenced Disemelo to 10 years’ direct imprisonment after finding him guilty of rape.
In a separate case,
A 41-year-old woman hosted her boyfriend and
Neighbours intervened after hearing her cries and police arrested
On 15 July 2025, the
Major General Naidoo praised the courts for imposing firm sentences, stating that the rulings sent a clear message that gender-based violence would not be tolerated.
He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to working closely with communities to ensure perpetrators were brought to justice.
