Picture: The Taung Magistrate’s Court
By OBAKENG MAJE
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Taung Regional Court for rape. Kgorotlhe Thomas Kgatlhane (31) was arrested after a spate of incidents, where terrorised women in Magogong and Maphoitsile villages, near Taung through his violent acts between 2011 and 2016.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, Kgatlhane who in most cases operated alone, but often with two accomplices, would attack women walking at night, rob them and take turns to rape them. Mamothame said he was later arrested on 30 June 2017 and remained in police custody until the completion of the trial.
“He was linked to the rapes through DNA specimens but pleaded not guilty to all charges. The police are still searching for his accomplices. Kgatlhane was sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the two counts of rape.
“He was also sentenced to 10 years on each of the two counts of rape and 15 years on each of the two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The court declared him unfit to possess a firearm and further ordered for his name to be entered in the register of sexual offenses,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Zoleka Majikijela, urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no substantial and compelling circumstances. Majikijela further led the Victim Impact Statements, wherein the victims described the emotional and physical trauma they live with daily as a result of their ordeal.
Magistrate Thataetsile Matolong agreed with the state and added that the court has the responsibility in sending a strong message against perpetrators of such violent acts.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the collaboration between the prosecutor, Captain Obakeng Phirichwane, and the Court Preparation Officer in ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to book.
The Guardian 