A Nelson Mandela Bay man has been sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment and additional custodial sentences after a court found him guilty of raping and attempting to murder his 49-year-old former partner following a violent break-in last year.
Eastern Cape provincial police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said the attack occurred at approximately 11:40pm on 25 February 2025 at a residence in Polar Park. The victim was asleep when she was awakened by the sound of a window breaking and realised her ex‑boyfriend had forced entry into a spare bedroom.
“He then forcibly took her to his residence, situated a short distance from her home, where he raped her during the night.”
The victim managed to flee the house but was pursued and stabbed in the neck with a knife, Janse Van Rensburg said. She reported the incident the following morning at SAPS Chatty, which led to the arrest of 64‑year‑old Teyise Bako on charges of rape, kidnapping and attempted murder.
Verdict and sentences
Bako was convicted on 24 March and sentenced on 1 September 2026. The court handed down the following terms, which were ordered to run concurrently:
- Rape — life imprisonment
- Attempted murder — life imprisonment
- Housebreaking with intent to assault — 4 years
- Kidnapping — 4 years
- Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm — 10 years
In addition, the court declared Bako unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his details be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders, Janse Van Rensburg said.
| Charge | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Rape | Life imprisonment |
| Attempted murder | Life imprisonment |
| Housebreaking with intent to assault | 4 years |
| Kidnapping | 4 years |
| Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm | 10 years |
Investigation and police response
The investigation was led by Detective Constable Bulelani Mgebisa of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Janse Van Rensburg said. The Nelson Mandela Bay Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, welcomed the sentence and commended the detective for securing the conviction.
Ngalo's office said the outcome was intended to send a clear message about the consequences of gender‑based violence and the police's commitment to pursue perpetrators. The police statement noted the careful work done by investigators to prepare the case for court.
Local impact and context
This case underlines a persistent challenge in the Eastern Cape and across South Africa: intimate partner and gender‑based violence often occur in or near the victim's home, and attacks can escalate quickly into severe bodily harm and sexual violence. The quick reporting by the victim and the involvement of the FCS Unit were pivotal in bringing the matter before the courts, according to police records.
For residents in Nelson Mandela Bay and surrounding areas, the police reiterated practical safety advice: secure windows and doors at night, have a plan for seeking help if you are threatened, and report any break‑ins or threats promptly to SAPS. Victims of sexual violence can obtain medical and counselling services at local health facilities and should be referred to FCS units for investigation and support.
The court order placing Bako on the National Register for Sexual Offenders means his identity will be recorded to assist future investigations and protect communities.
While courts hand down sentences, advocates and service providers continue to press for expanded prevention efforts, including community education, better resourcing of FCS units, and support services for survivors. The conviction in this case demonstrates the criminal justice system's capacity to prosecute complex cases involving violence against women when investigations are thorough and victim testimony is supported.
The police appeal to anyone with further information about similar incidents to contact their nearest station or the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit.
Reporting from Nelson Mandela Bay.
