Lesotho National Sentenced to 12 Years After Attempting to Rape 16-Year-Old, South Africans Weigh In

• The Bloemfontein Regional Court sentenced a 40-year-old Lesotho man on Thursday for a 2024 incident
• The man was found guilty of chasing and threatening a 16-year-old girl with a knife, as he attempted to rape her
• The sentencing sparked mixed reactions online, as many noted that the man was also illegally in South Africa

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

FREE STATE — A Bloemfontein Regional Court has handed down a 12-year prison sentence to a 40-year-old Lesotho national, following his conviction for attempted rape and illegal residence in South Africa.

Baisil Steyn received a 10-year term for the attempted rape charge and an additional two years for contravening the Immigration Act. Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Sinah Mpakane confirmed the sentencing relates to an incident that occurred on 28 April 2024.

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Teen threatened with knife by Lesotho national

According to Mpakane, Steyn pursued a 16-year-old girl and threatened her with a knife. When the victim attempted to flee and sought shelter in a nearby residence, Steyn forced his way into the home and damaged property in his effort to reach her.

The homeowner and his son intervened, rescuing the teenager and detaining Steyn until police arrived. He was arrested immediately at the scene.

Detective Sergeant Bokamoso Shanice Peter led the investigation into the case. Her work uncovered that Steyn was a Lesotho citizen with no legal basis to be living in South Africa, resulting in the additional immigration charge being brought against him.

How did South Africans react?

Social media users responding to the sentencing were largely critical of lax immigration enforcement, with many drawing a connection to the ongoing national debate around undocumented foreign nationals.

Velile Mvelas Khosana commented:

"Someone will say let them be documented."

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T Person Sebogodi wrote:

"While the other party says we must document them."

Apst Christian TB Kargbo said:

"Many thanks to the family who risked their lives and stood their ground to protect the lady from the criminal."

Moreshka Lebona added:

"Malema says we must document them."

Sello Kapoko suggested:

"Let him serve that sentence in Lesotho aseblief."

Jan Titi wrote:

"Please take him home; we can't feed him here."

Source: Briefly News