A 38-year-old man from Naas has been sentenced to 30 years behind bars after the Boschfontein Regional Court found him guilty of two separate rape incidents committed in 2019 and 2020.

The sentence, welcomed by Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, was handed down on Thursday, 27 November, following a meticulous investigation by the Tonga Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

The court heard that the first incident took place on 22 December 2019 at around 02:00 at a local tavern in Naas. The victim, then 23, had started vomiting when Isaac Micho Sambo used the moment to prey on her. He threatened her with a knife, a beer bottle and a screwdriver, claiming she had vomited on his sneakers, before forcing her behind the toilets and raping her. A case was opened and immediately assigned to the Tonga FCS Unit.

The second rape occurred on 22 November 2020 in the same area. A 24-year-old woman had gone to the tavern toilet when Sambo forced the door open, insulted her, ordered her to stay naked and raped her. He also robbed her of her mobile phone. Another case was opened and linked to the first by investigators.

Police traced and arrested Sambo after connecting him to both crimes. The state presented overwhelming evidence, resulting in two sentences of 15 years each — totalling 30 years’ imprisonment.

The court also heard that Sambo committed both crimes while on parole, having previously served time for a 2009 rape. He has now been declared unfit to possess a firearm, unfit to work with children, and his name will be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Major General Mkhwanazi praised the tireless work of the investigators, prosecutors and judiciary. “We are glad that victims will sleep better knowing that the person who tormented them is behind bars. This sentence comes at the right time as we commemorate the 16 Days Campaign. It shows our commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” he said.