By OBAKENG MAJE
A man sentenced to life imprisonment by the Atamelang Regional Court sentenced for rape. Wandile Bome (26) accosted a couple from behind and assaulted the boyfriend with a stick.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the boyfriend fled the scene and the accused went on to assault the woman with a stick before grabbing her. Mamothame said Bome then dragged the to his place of residence, where he repeatedly raped her.
“He subsequently chased her away. The complainant went home and reported her ordeal to her brother and boyfriend, who immediately accompanied her to the clinic and subsequently to the police station to report the incident. The complaint described him in court to be her relative.
“The incident took place in Ganaalagte, near Delareyville on 29 February 2020. Bome was subsequently arrested on 3 March 2023 after evading the police. He was granted bail but it was later reversed after he failed to appear in court. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges and he was also sentenced to 3 years for assault with Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH and an additional 2 years for another assault with GBH,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Edward Manicus, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances provided.
Magistrate Stephan Du Toit agreed with the state and he remarked on the seriousness of the offence and the responsibility the courts have to protect society against perpetrators of such heinous crimes.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, investigating officer, and other role players who ensured that the perpetrator was brought to book.
The Guardian 