A MAN wanted for rape has finally been caught after more than a decade on the run.
Kenneth Lepota (36) is expected to appear in the Tsheseng Magistrates Court in the Free State on Tuesday, 7 July.
The alleged rapist had been evading justice for 12 years.
His court appearance has renewed hopes for justice among the victim's family and the community.
Kenneth was convicted of rape alongside his two co-accused in 2014 but failed to appear in court for sentencing and has been on the run ever since.
His co-accused, Morena Mokoena, is serving a life sentence for the offence, while the third accused passed away before sentencing.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said a 26-year-old woman from Tseseng Village was walking home from a local tavern with a friend when they were confronted by three men on 6 April 2011.
"The accused forcibly grabbed the victim, dragged her into nearby bushes, and raped her. The victim was able to identify all three perpetrators. The accused were subsequently arrested, prosecuted, and convicted of rape in 2014 by rhe Tseseng Magistrate Court. They were released on bail pending sentencing."
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Mophiring explained that before sentencing could take place, one of the accused died.
"Morena Mokoena was later sentenced to life imprisonment, while Kenneth Lepota absconded and remained in hiding after failing to appear in court for sentencing.
"The search for Lepota continued over the years. He was rearrested on Friday, 3 July 2026, after a community member spotted him at a village and alerted the investigating officer. He was immediately arrested," he said
Free State police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thabang Lesia commended the resident for providing valuable information that led to the arrest.
"The public remains the eyes and ears of the cops. This arrest demonstrates the importance of community cooperation in ensuring that offenders are brought to justice, regardless of how much time has passed. We hope this development will bring a measure of closure to the victim and her family," he said.
