By REGINALD KANYANE
27 February 2025- A hitch-hiker’s spot robber (34) sentenced to 32 years imprisonment by the Rustenburg Regional Court after being found guilty on 15 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The accused, Goitsemodimo Kekae, was a mine employee at the time he committed these crimes.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Kekae’s conviction stems from the spree of robbery incidents that were reported near Rustenburg, Mogwase and Koster from October 2014 to January 2015. Gunya said it is alleged that the information reached the police about a person who was driving a Toyota Corolla robbing people in hiking spots.
“Investigations revealed that the accused would offer a person a hike upon boarding that person would be robbed of his or her belongings and threatened with a gun.
“After the police received many reports about this hitch-hiking spot robber, they organised an undercover operation to apprehend the suspect. His car was stopped during the operation and the cellphones of the victims he had earlier robbed were recovered,” he said.
Gunya further said Kekae was arrested on 11 March 2015, after the police intensive operations in tracking the said Toyota Corolla. He added that, in court, he pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.
“Evidence presented in court indicated that the accused would use a firearm to rob the victims and take their belongings,” said Gunya.
During sentencing, state prosecutor advocate Rodger Mareume, emphasised the fact that the accused was employed shows that he committed the offence out of greed and with intentions to traumatize his victims and called for the prescribed minimum sentence to be imposed. In delivering judgment, Magistrate Samuel Maboho, indicated that they live in a society which is becoming increasingly lawless, where firearms are frequently used.
“Robbery is always a deliberately planned crime, where victims cannot take precautions against such offences,” he said.
Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, commended the diligent efforts of the Police Service, state prosecutor, and all role players involved in this case. Makhari emphasised the need for community cooperation with authorities in reporting any acts of criminality.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains committed to ensuring accountability and fighting crime in South Africa,” she said.
The Guardian 