By Obakeng Maje

Northern Cape High court sentenced Samuel Mbalula (22) and his co-accused Andre Lebohang Mogakwe after they were found guilty yesterday on a murder and rape case, which they committed on the 25 December 2009. 

“On the day of this atrocity it was the day on which the victim Patricia “Mandu” Mogotsi (30) supposed to have celebrated the Christmas Day” Lieutenat Olebogeng Tawana said.

“However the day turned sour after she was raped and attacked by Samuel and Lebohang at the Tyson Park in Galeshewe” Tawana said. 

According to police they raped her several times and afterwards assaulted her. 

Mogotsi suffered head injuries during the attack and later died at the hospital as results of the severity of the injuries she had sustained.

During this it happened that Patricia’s brother walked and passed by the crime scene; unknowingly that one of her close family member was a rape and murder victim. 

As he took a closer look up he saw Lebohang red handed raping his sister. 

In the meantime Samuel fled the scene and ran away. 

He alerted the police about the matter and handed Lebogang to the police and Samuel was arrested shortly.

Samuel was charged with murder, while his co-accused Lebohang Mogakwe was charged for rape. 

Both Lebogang and Samuel spent three year in jail while awaiting trial. Before the Northern Cape High Court acting Judge Johan Van Niekerk could hand down judgment against them, he took into consideration the mitigating factors that have been brought to the attention of the court by the probation officer and the defense team. 

He noted the probation officer’s report, which stipulates that during the commission of the crime Samuel Mbalula was only 17-years of age and 11 months old. 

He started to consume alcohol and smoke dagga at the age of 16.

 He is born in a Christianity faith base family, although he did not participate in the church activities.