The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, has welcomed the sentence of a 28-year-old man convicted of multiple serious offences, including rape, in the Mankweng Regional Court.
Other offences are housebreaking with intent to commit rape, compelling a child to witness a sexual offence and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
“The accused, Raphela Nathaniel Thabang, was sentenced on Monday following his conviction on charges stemming from an incident that occurred at Mamadimo Park in the Mankweng policing area in November 2019,” police said in a statement.
The court heard that on 24 November 2019 at about 2:30 am, a 22-year-old woman and her 11-year-old relative were asleep in their residence at Mamadimo Park when the accused unlawfully gained entry by breaking a window. Armed with a panga, he threatened the victims and instructed them to remain silent.
“The accused raped both victims during the ordeal and robbed the complainant of her cellular phone before fleeing the scene. During the attack, the complainant recognised the accused by his voice and reported the matter to the police,” the SAPS said.
Constable Tebogo Moholola of the Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit conducted the investigation.
Through meticulous investigation, the accused was arrested and brought before court. Bail was successfully opposed, and the investigation was finalised, leading to his prosecution and conviction.
The Mankweng Regional Court sentenced the accused as follows: five years' imprisonment for housebreaking with the intent to rape; life imprisonment for rape; five years for compelling / causing a child to witness a sexual offence; and 15 years' imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm.
Lieutenant General Scheepers commended the investigating officer, Constable Moholola, for the dedication and professionalism displayed throughout the investigation, which ensured justice for the victims and their families. – SAnews.gov.za
