Latest news with #Senokoatsane
IOL News
26-05-2025
- IOL News
Free State man sentenced to life for raping mentally disabled minor
Free State man receives life imprisonment for raping a mentally minor. Image: File A 42-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Bothaville Regional Court for the rape of a mentally disabled 15-year-old child, in a case described by the State as a "grave violation" against a vulnerable member of society. The court found him guilty under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, which prescribes minimum sentences for serious offences. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the incident took place on July 22, 2023, when the victim, a minor with a mental disability, went to play at a neighbour's house, unaware that her day would end in trauma. "The accused instructed the victim to accompany him under the pretext of purchasing electricity. He directed her to jump over the back fence and wait for him at a specific shop nearby," said Senokoatsane. Despite the victim's concern over their unfamiliar route, Mokeretla insisted she remain quiet, even warning her to act normal when a police vehicle passed by. He eventually led her to a ditch on the outskirts of the township, where he raped her after forcing her to undress. The victim remained silent that evening but bravely confided in a friend at school the next day. "She reported the incident to her friend, who then reported the incident to the principal, and a case was opened. The accused was arrested and charged with rape," said Senokoatsane. During the trial, the prosecution, led by Regional Court Prosecutor Tshegofatso Lebitsa, relied solely on the testimonies of the victim and her friend. The defence's application for discharge under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act was dismissed. Notably, Mokeretla chose not to testify in his own defence. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ In her closing argument, Lebitsa stressed the gravity of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim. she argued that the accused showed a complete lack of remorse and refused to take the court into his confidence and that he exploited a highly vulnerable minor and must face the full might of the law. The court concurred and imposed a life sentence. Additionally, Mokeretla's name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, and he has been declared unfit to possess a firearm. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reaffirmed its commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). "The Prosecuting Authority, as the primary force in combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, will relentlessly pursue the prosecution of offenders and ensure that they receive sentences that reflect the severity of their crimes," said Senokoatsane. IOL NEWS
IOL News
23-05-2025
- IOL News
Northern Cape man faces 20 years in prison for sister's repeated rape
The 33-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years of direct imprisonment by the Garies Regional Court for raping his sister over a four-year period. The Garies Regional Court has sentenced a 33-year-old man from Kharkams, Northern Cape, to 20 years of direct imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to repeatedly raping his biological sister over four years. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the abuse began in October 2020 when the accused, under the influence of the drug Tik, raped the victim after their mother and uncle, both intoxicated, left them alone at home. The victim was 19 years old at the time. The court heard that the assaults continued for years and took place inside the family home, a space that should have been a sanctuary. "A few days later, on June 5, 2024, the accused attempted to force himself on her again in front of their mother and uncle. When the complainant refused, the accused attacked both family members and threatened to kill their mother if she continued to resist," said Senokoatsane.
IOL News
09-05-2025
- IOL News
Northern Cape man sentenced to life for raping his elderly grandmother
A 35-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his 72-year-old grandmother Image: Independent Newspapers A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court for raping his 72-year-old grandmother, in a harrowing case that has shocked the Kagung Village community. The incident occurred on September 12, 2020, when the then 29-year-old man was living with his grandmother, who had raised him from infancy. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the grandmother was bathing in her bedroom using the same water the accused had previously used for a herbal bath. The accused, driven by what he described as a sudden "feeling," entered her bedroom and raped her. The elderly victim, who uses a walking stick, managed to flee and sought help from a neighbour. Police were called, and the accused was arrested shortly thereafter. Senokoatsane confirmed that the victim received ongoing support from the Kuruman Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), especially after the case was struck off the roll in 2021 due to delayed DNA results. "The TCC ensured that the victim was checked on and provided with all the psychological assistance she needed until the matter was re-enrolled," said Senokoatsane. Medical examination revealed that the victim suffered internal injuries and was bleeding, despite no longer menstruating. She later testified that she struggled to walk and experienced intense pain after the rape. During sentencing, Prosecutor Bernice Bronkhorst-Oor emphasised that the accused displayed no remorse and was dishonest in his testimony. She said the accused was a danger to society and had to be removed from society. The court found the accused's version of events implausible and ruled there were no compelling reasons to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm or to work with older persons. His name has also been added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.
