By REGINALD KANYANE
11 January 2025- A man (39) was sentenced to five life terms imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Sexual Offences Court in Mmabatho ON 9 January 2025. This comes after Vincent Akombe was accused of rape cases, which were reported between April 2012 and June 2016, in the policing area of Mmabatho.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the convict accosted couples, whilst relaxing in their cars along or in the vicinity of Bray road. Mokgwabone said Akombe would rob the victims aged between 29 and 40, of their personal belongings including cash, cell phones and clothes.
“In addition, he would tie male victims’ hands and feet with a rope and rape females. Consequent to broad investigation, two possible suspects were identified, arrested and buccal samples collected.
“The results thereof, linked Akombe to all the cases, which were combined for the purpose of trial,” he said.
In addressing the court for a harsh sentence, the state prosecutor, advocate Kefentse Diseko, submitted that the accused took advantage of the vulnerability of women. Diseko said the state further submitted that the accused should be punished for his monstrous deeds and be removed from the community.
“There were no substantial and compelling circumstances that may lead the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence, which is life imprisonment.
“The convict was as a result, sentenced to life imprisonment for each of the five counts of rape and all robberies, and will run concurrently. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentences, which they said will without doubt serve as a deterrence and sound a warning to potential criminals that the long arm of the law will ensure that no criminal is spared.
They also commended the Investigating Officer, D/Sergeant Tshepiso Makunye of Mmabatho Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and the state prosecutor, advocate Kefentse Diseko, as well as all other role players for their tireless efforts to ensure that the conviction is secured.
The Guardian 