By BAKANG MOKOTO
A 26-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to triple life imprisonment by the North West High Court sitting in Vryburg. Bafana Johannes Mans was convicted of kidnapping, double rape, and murder of Tshimologo Lotshabeng (4).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Mans was a colleague and one of the people who accompanied Tshimologo’s mother from a tavern to her friend’s house in Kgomotso village, near Taung.
“He waited until the mother fell asleep, then kidnapped Tshimologo. Mans took her to the nearby bushes, where he raped and killed her. Mans was apprehended at his residential place in Jan Kempdorp in the Northern Cape.
“This comes after the lifeless and naked body of Tshimologo was found in the bushes at Kgomotso village, near Taung on 16 May 2021. Mans was denied bail upon his first court appearance on 24 May 2021 and he has been in custody since his arrest,” Mamothame said.
In aggravation of sentence, Adv Xolisile Philisane urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence as the offense was committed on a helpless minor. Philisane further argued that the accused showed no remorse for his actions as he failed to take a stand and apologise to the family of the deceased.
The North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Makhari-Sekhaolaleo lauded the collaboration between the SAPS and the NPA in bringing the perpetrator to book. She said, this will illustrate the advocacy of the criminal justice system in dealing with those who act against the protection of women, children, and the elderly.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena shared the same sentiments. Kwena also lauded the Investigating Officer, Col Kgosi Dihemo, and advocate Xolisile Philisane as well as other role players for their tireless and joint efforts that led to the conviction, which he said will certainly serve as a deterrence to those who violate and take innocent lives of women and children.
Mans was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, two life imprisonment for double rape, and five years imprisonment for kidnapping. The sentence for double rape and kidnapping will run concurrently.
The Guardian 