By OBAKEG MAJE

A man (26) from Mokgareng village, near Taung, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for rape by Taung Regional Court today. This comes after Cornelius Sedumoeng raped an elderly woman (66).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said on 24 October 2021, Sedumoeng broke into the home of the complainant in the early hours of the morning, while she was asleep.

Mamothame said upon investigation, the complaint was confronted by Sedumoeng.

“The victim was assaulted before she was raped. Sedumoeng subsequently robbed her of an amount of R450 and a cell phone before fleeing the scene.

“The victim managed to recognise him, while he was robbing her. Sedumoeng’s parents were informed of the incident. He admitted to raping the elderly woman and the money and cellphone he had robbed were also recovered from him,” he said.

According to Mamothame, Sedumoeng was later arrested and the court denied him bail. Sedumoeng pleaded not guilty to the offense.

In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Tecia Khula urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as the accused took advantage of an elderly woman, whom she knew stayed by herself.

Magistrate Buti Zulu agreed with the state and remarked on the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the responsibility the courts have in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

Sedumoeng was further sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari welcomed the conviction.

“We lauded the collaboration of the prosecutor and the investigation officer in ensuring that the victim and her family are provided with justice, especially at a time when gender-based violence is on a rise”, she remarked,” Makhari said.

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