By OBAKENG MAJE
A 39-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mogwase Regional Court for raping his ex-girlfriend. On 21 October 2018, Thabo William Modibedi approached his ex-girlfriend at a tavern and asked her to go home with him.
She then refused and Modibedi got aggressive in front of other patrons and started assaulting her. The complainant tried to escape, but he caught up with her and continued to assault her as he dragged her to his home.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said upon arrival at Modibedi’s home, he could not find the key to enter and he subsequently dragged the victim to one of the shacks in the yard and repeatedly raped her.
“She later managed to escape and received assistance from one of the neighbours, who then took her to the police to report the matter. Modibedi was arrested on 23 October 2018 and was granted a R1000 bail.
“He pleaded not guilty to the offence. The state was faced with challenges before trial, as one of the witnesses was shot dead, others could not be traced as they had relocated and others stopped attending court and could not be traced,” said Mamothame.
He said during the trial, the then state prosecutor, Adv Tebogo Mokoka, led his evidence with the testimony of the medical practitioner, who examined the complainant and her testimony.
“On 3 May 2022, the court found the accused guilty and his bail was immediately cancelled. The matter was however delayed by two subsequent applications from the defence, to have the recusal of the presiding officer from the case, which the court dismissed.
“They subsequently took the judgement of the recusal to the North West High Court for review and it was also dismissed. On 11 October 2023, a new state Adv, Sicelo Moselakgomo addressed the court in aggravation of sentence,” he said.
Mamothame said Moselakgomo urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as the offence that was committed is dehumanising and unacceptable.
Magistrate Lebogang Raborife agreed with the state and remarked on the traumatic experience of the complainant, which resulted in her relocation, and the humiliation she suffered as she sought help from neighbours in a naked state.
“The court declared Modibedi unfit to possess a firearm, unfit to work with children and for his name to be added to the national register of sexual offenders,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecution team, investigating officer from the SAPS and other role players, who ensured that the perpetrator was brought to book. She lauded the courts for the harsh sentences imposed on such offences.
The Guardian 