By OBAKENG MAJE
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Atamelang Regional Court for rape. On 16 November 2013, Fana Jonas Selemogo (38), accosted a victim who was walking home from a nearby tavern, accompanied by her friend.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Selemogo subsequently grabbed the victim (24) by her hand and dragged her away from her friend, who also tried effortlessly to rescue her. Mamothame said the incident took place in Sannieshof.
“The friend of the victim, ran home to seek help. When she came back with her brother, the accused and the complainant had already left. Selemogo managed to drag the complainant to his shack, while assaulting her and repeatedly raped her upon arrival.
“The next morning, she managed to flee and when she arrived home, she reported the incident to her aunt. The matter was subsequently reported to the police who later effected an arrest,” he said.
Mamothame further said the complainant was also rushed to a nearby medical facility to receive medical attention and for DNA samples to be taken. He added that, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
“He was granted bail, however absconded until he was re-arrested on 21 Feb 2017. Selemogo was then remanded in custody until the completion of the trial. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and the court further ordered that, his name be registered in the sexual offender’s register,” said Mamothame.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Edward Manicus, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances to do so.
Magistrate Stefan Du Toit agreed with the state and remarked that, rape is a very serious offence that causes permanent scars on the victims and that the courts have a responsibility to send a strong message to wannabe offenders.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, investigating officer and other role players in bringing the perpetrator to book.
The Guardian 