By REGINALD KANYANE
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Moretele Regional Court for rape. On 22 September 2019, Tebogo Khunuona was seen by his neighbours jumping over the complainant’s wall and entering the house through an open window in Kanana village, near Temba.
He then found the complaint (37) in her bedroom, threatened her, and proceeded to rape her repeatedly.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, the accused is said to be known to the complainant’s husband who was not home at the time of the incident.
“Khunuona was later arrested at his home and he pleaded not guilty to the charges,” he said.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor Patricia Matlala, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no substantial and compelling reasons to do so. Matlala argued that, the complainant, who is a wife and respected member of the community violated her right to dignity eroded.
Magistrate Gilbert Sono agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the courts have in protecting members of the community from such perpetrators.
Khunuona was sentenced to a further 10-year sentence for housebreaking with intent to commit a crime.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Warrant Officer Lamola from the South African Police Service, and the witness for their collaboration in bringing the perpetrator to book.
The Guardian 