By OBAKENG MAJE
The Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court sentenced a man to life imprisonment for raping a girl (16). On 28 May 2017, Orapeleng Matlape (28) and his accomplices accosted the victim, while she was walking home.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the incident took place at Tlhabologong Location, outside Coligny. Mamothame said they subsequently dragged her to a shack and took turns to rape her.
“The following morning, the victim reported the matter to her mother. The matter was reported to the police and three men were arrested in July 2017, but later released as the matter was provisionally withdrawn from the court roll for further investigations.
“In June 2021, the matter was re-enrolled and Matlape together with Kamogelo Mokgothu, were re-arrested, while the third suspect was still on the run. Matlape opted to plead guilty to the charge and the state accepted his plea,” he said.
Mamothame further said Mokgothu pleaded not guilty and his case was postponed to 13 December 2023 for the appointment of a presiding officer.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Itumeleng Boikanyo, urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence, as there were no compelling circumstances to do so.
Magistrate Stefan Du Toit agreed with the state and remarked on the prevalence of rape and that it should no longer be tolerated. The court declared Matlape unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that, his name be listed in the sexual offenders’ register.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Warrant Officer Mmane Mokoena from the SAPS, and other role players, who ensured justice was served.
She called on communities to unite in the fight against such violent offenses.
The Guardian 