Former City of Tshwane worker gets life for locking a woman inside toilet, then raping her

A former City of Tshwane worker has received a life sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting and imprisoning a woman in a municipal toilet in May 2023. The perpetrator, Matome Seloesa, 42, was sentenced following a trial that revealed his repeated violations of the victim’s autonomy and safety. Seloesa allegedly targeted the 39-year-old woman on the morning of May 27, 2023, as she traveled to Sunnyside to visit a friend. She had stopped at a municipal building to use the toilet when Seloesa followed her, locked her inside, and subjected her to a sexual assault. During the attack, he threatened to kill her and ordered her to stay confined until he returned to fetch food. After leaving, the victim managed to escape and approached a nearby police vehicle. However, Seloesa later arrived and falsely claimed the woman was his girlfriend, attempting to undermine her account. The victim, realizing her report was not being taken seriously, fled to a nearby residence and alerted the occupants. They helped her contact additional police officers, resulting in Seloesa’s arrest at his workplace later that day. During the trial, Seloesa denied the charges, claiming the woman was both his girlfriend and a sex worker. This defense was refuted by the state prosecutor, Sfiso Hlongwane, who cited the victim’s detailed testimony and other evidence proving Seloesa’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In seeking leniency, Seloesa’s legal team argued that he was a first-time offender with three dependents, his children, who relied on him financially. They urged the court to consider mitigating factors and avoid the mandatory life sentence. Hlongwane countered that Seloesa displayed no remorse for his actions and continued to assert false claims about the relationship with the victim. He emphasized that rape involves the exercise of power and control over victims through force and fear, making it a particularly grave offense. Hlongwane also highlighted the broader societal issue of gender-based violence in South Africa, noting that individuals like Seloesa contribute to the cycle of abuse. He pointed out that Seloesa had actively misled the authorities while the victim was trying to seek justice. A Victim Impact Statement, prepared by Court Preparation Officer Joyce Makwela, was presented during sentencing. It outlined the lasting effects of the crime on the victim, including the termination of a pregnancy caused by the assault and ongoing medical complications that have imposed significant financial burdens. The victim also described the emotional toll of the incident, explaining how it disrupted her personal and professional life and left her grappling with persistent psychological distress. The court presiding officer acknowledged that Seloesa had shown no signs of remorse and had exploited a vulnerable individual who merely needed access to a public facility. The judge also noted that Seloesa was not the primary caregiver for his children, who live with their respective mothers. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting women from acts of violence and ensuring they can navigate public spaces without fear. The case reflects the systemic challenges faced in addressing gender-based violence and highlights the importance of accountability for perpetrators who target individuals in moments of vulnerability. As the legal process concludes, the focus remains on supporting survivors and reinforcing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.