BY Obakeng Maje

The hefty sentences handed down by Judge Gura in  Rustenburg High Court on Thursday 31 May 2012 was widely welcomed by family, Police investigators, as well as the community at large.

  Many people attended the trial of the accused, 27-year old Reuben Tshepo Modise from Mabalstad, near Mabeeskraal. 

“The accused was on trial for the murder, robbery and rape of an elderly grandmother, the 55-year old  Mpho Caroline Mosheshe, who died on 11 September 2010 after she was strangled in front of her 6-year old grandson” Brigadier Ngubane said. 

The brave little boy ran away after his grandmother was murdered and hid in the bushes. 

“The toddler was later found and brought to safety.  After the arrest of the accused, and during an identification parade, the little boy, bravely and without hesitation, pointed out the murderer of his grandmother” Ngubane said.  

The accused was also found guilty of raping  four women and rob them of cell phones, handbags and clothing items in and around Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg. 

The accused would lure his innocent victims to a bushy and isolated area between the Rustenburg graveyard and the Olympia Park Stadium, pretending that he was going to employee them to sell cheap jewellery for him. All the victims were assaulted before being raped.  

His evil deeds commenced during February 2010 and continued until  12October 2010, ranging over a period of nine months.  On 13of October 2010, with the assistance from the community, the accused was arrested. 

It was heartbreaking to hear the testimony of some of the rape victims in court, reflecting on how the rapes, robberies and assaults have changed their lives forever. 

In handing down of the sentence, the Honourable Judge Gura remarked that the accused had to be removed from the community forever. 

The Rustenburg Cluster Commander, Maj Genl Patrick Asaneng has congratulated the Rustenburg Detectives, under the skilful guidance of Captain Anton van der Merwe, for a job well done. 

The investigating officer, W/Off Godfrey Mogari put in a lot of effort to ensure the arrest of the serial rapist. 

He is commended for his diligence and for the highly professional investigation, ensuring that this cruel offender is brought to book.