Man sentenced to life for raping girlfriend after argument over money - IOL
Man, 38, was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and an additional 12 months for assault by the Klerksdorp Sexual Offences Court.
A 38-year-old North West man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his girlfriend after an argument over money escalated into a violent attack at a home in Kanana.
Lethlogonolo Andrew Bontes was convicted of rape and assault by the Klerksdorp Sexual Offences Court on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, following an investigation by the Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
The court sentenced Bontes to life imprisonment for rape and a further 12 months behind bars for assault.
Police spokesperson Colonel Anne Magakoe said the attack happened on Sunday, December 8, 2024, while the 30-year-old woman was visiting Bontes.
An argument broke out after the woman questioned him about money she had left in the bedroom.
The case was subsequently handed to Sergeant Ramontshiwe Abel Roberts of the Klerksdorp FCS Unit, whose investigation ultimately resulted in the matter being brought before court.
Nearly two years after the attack, the Sexual Offences Court found Bontes guilty on both charges and imposed the maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the rape.
Magakoe confirmed that Bontes had also been sentenced to an additional 12 months' imprisonment for assault.
βHe was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and an additional 12 months' imprisonment for assault,β Magakoe said.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Adams commended investigating officer Roberts and prosecutor Wilna Cordier for their work in securing the conviction.
Magakoe said Adams praised the pair βfor the commitment and dedication demonstrated in securing justice for the victimβ.
Adams also emphasised that police would continue prioritising cases involving sexual offences and domestic violence as part of efforts to ensure perpetrators are brought before the courts.
