By OBAKENG MAJE
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Itsoseng Regional Court for raping his ex-girlfriend. Amogelang Masondo’s conviction emanates from an incident on the night of 25 June 2021 in Bodibe village, near Itsoseng, where he met the complaint while walking with another man.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said: “Masondo then threatened her before forcibly taking her to his friend’s place, where he repeatedly raped her overnight. He then let her go, leading her to report the matter to the police.
“Masondo was arrested on 28 June 2021 and the court denied him bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Molefe Moyawa, argued that the accused cannot be rehabilitated and is likely to re-offend as he had been previously convicted of rape when he was only 17. Moyawa further said Masondo was also found to have been previously convicted of culpable homicide.
“The accused violated the complainant’s right to dignity and freedom of movement,” Moyawa added.
Magistrate Ndade Maphango agreed with the state and remarked that, the accused committed a violent offense against the mother of his child and he showed no remorse for his action. Masondo was further sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for kidnapping.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Constable Tau from the SAPS and other role players who contributed to the conviction. She called for advocacy against the violation of women, children, and the elderly.
The Guardian 