The incident happened on 28 April 2024 when the accused, 40, pursued a teenage girl in Bloemspruit and threatened her with a knife. She tried to escape and sought refuge at a nearby home, but he allegedly forced his way onto the property and damaged it while attempting to reach her.

Free State police spokesperson Sgt Sinah Mpakane says the homeowner and his son intervened and rescued the teenager. The accused was arrested at the scene, while the knife allegedly used during the incident was recovered in the presence of members of the community.

Police confirmed the accused and the teenager did not know each other. The Bloemfontein Regional Court sentenced Baisil Steyn to ten years’ imprisonment for attempted rape and a further two years for contravening the Immigration Act.

The court ordered the sentences to run consecutively, resulting in an effective sentence of 12 years’ direct imprisonment. An investigation established that Steyn is a Lesotho citizen who was in South Africa illegally at the time of the offence.

Mpakane said the teenager was taken to a Thuthuzela Care Centre after the incident. The centres provide integrated medical, psychosocial and legal support to victims of sexual offences and gender-based violence. She received immediate assistance and was also provided with follow-up care.

Sgt Bokamoso Shanice Peter investigated the case and opposed Steyn’s release on bail. Police say she presented evidence during the proceedings despite the accused denying the allegations and continued with the investigation that ultimately led to his conviction and sentencing.

Police praised Peter for her work in investigating crimes against women and children. They say efforts are continuing to strengthen investigations and secure convictions in gender-based violence and sexual offence cases across the province.

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