By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (30) has been sentenced to life imprisonment the Itsoseng Regional Court for raping a minor. Matshidiso Adam Kobe raped a girl (11) on two separate occasions.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the victim was playing in a neighbour’s yard, where Kobe lived. Mamothame further said the incident took place in Verdwaal, near Itsoseng on 20 February 2021.
“The accused then sent the girl to his shack to get cigarettes, but followed her. He subsequently raped her and after the ordeal, Kobe gave the child a cell phone and instructed her not to tell anyone about the incident.
“Evidence presented in court further revealed that, the day after the incident, the child was again playing with a friend in the same yard. After the friend had left, he then sent the child to his shack, where he followed her and raped her again,” he said.
Mamothame added that, later at home, the child’s grandmother noticed a strange behaviour as the child could not sit properly. He said upon enquiry, the child revealed both incidents.
“She was taken for medical examination, where it was confirmed that she had been violated. The matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested on 22 February 2021.
“The court denied him bail and he pleaded not guilty to the offences. In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Itumeleng Boikanyo, read the Victim Impact Statement, which cited the mental, emotional, and physical trauma caused by the incident to the victim,” said Mamothame.
He said the court further declared Kobe unfit to possess a firearm and for his name to be included in the national register for sexual offenders.
Boikanyo urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances to consider.
Magistrate Ndade Maphango agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the courts have in imposing harsher sentences on perpetrators of such offences.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded Boikanyo and Constable Tshekiso Jantjie Tau from the SAPS for their collaboration in bringing the perpetrator to book. Makhari calls for a strong advocacy for the protection of children and the most vulnerable members of society.
The Guardian 