Mankweng:Limpopo The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, has expressed approval for the life imprisonment sentence handed to a 28-year-old man convicted of several serious offences, including rape, by the Mankweng Regional Court.
According to South African Government News Agency, the accused, Raphela Nathaniel Thabang, was sentenced following his conviction for crimes committed during a November 2019 incident at Mamadimo Park in the Mankweng policing area. The charges included housebreaking with intent to commit rape, compelling a child to witness a sexual offence, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The court was informed that on 24 November 2019, at approximately 230 am, Thabang unlawfully entered a residence in Mamadimo Park by breaking a window. Armed with a panga, he threatened a 22-year-old woman and her 11-year-old relative, instructing them to remain silent. He proceeded to rape both victims and robbed the complainant of her cellphone before fleeing. The complainant recognized Thabang by his voice and reported the incident to the police.
The investigation led by Constable Tebogo Moholola from the Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit resulted in Thabang's arrest. Bail was denied, and the investigation culminated in his prosecution and conviction.
The Mankweng Regional Court sentenced Thabang to five years for housebreaking with the intent to rape, life imprisonment for rape, five years for compelling a child to witness a sexual offence, and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Lieutenant General Scheepers commended Constable Moholola for the dedication and professionalism shown throughout the investigation, ensuring justice for the victims and their families.