By OBAKENG MAJE
A-25-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Atamelang Regional Court for raping a girl (19). On the night of 6 December 2020, the complainant and two of her cousins arrived at their home from a tavern in Ottosdal.
Lucky Tshepang Mothowatlhaga subsequently accosted her, while she was knocking on the door.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, this happened, while the victim’s two cousins were also knocking on the opposite door of the house.
Mamothame further said, that Mothowatlhaga then dragged her to his residence, at which the two cousins rushed to the neighbour’s house to call for help.
“At the time they came back to assist, the two had already disappeared. Upon arrival at his residence, the accused threatened the complainant with a knife before repeatedly raping her. He only let her leave the following morning.
“The matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested and granted bail. However, Mothowatlhaga failed to appear before the court and he was re-arrested. His bail was revoked and pleaded not guilty to the charge,” he added.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Edward Manicus, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, as there were no compelling circumstances to do so.
Magistrate Stefanus Du Toit agreed with the state and stressed the seriousness and prevalence of the offense, as well as the traumatic experience suffered by the complainant. The court declared him unfit to possess a firearm and his name was ordered to be registered in the register of sexual offenders.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Detective Mmolawa from the South African Police Service, and other role players for a collaboration that yielded a successful conviction.
The Guardian 