By BAKANG MOKOTO
4 February 2025- A man (41) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court for rape. The accused, Thapelo Malekutu raped his ex-girlfriend.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Malekutu was also sentenced to five years imprisonment for sexual assault, two years imprisonment for assault with Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and two years imprisonment for kidnapping. Gunya said the court ordered that, all sentences should run concurrently with the life sentence for rape in terms of Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
“The charge stems from a tragic incident that occurred in Verdwaal near Itsoseng. Evidence presented in court revealed that Malekutu is an ex-boyfriend of the victim, who cannot be named to protect her identity.
“It is alleged that on 12 October 2022, the accused went to the home of the victim. Upon his arrival, he forcefully took the victim to his place, while assaulting her until they arrived at the accused place around 7pm, in the evening,” he said.
Gunya further said at his home, he raped the victim multiple times while assaulting her with the panga and fists. He added that, the complainant tried to flee but the accused prevented her until the next day when she was let free or released by the accused.
“The following day, the complainant reported the incident, and the accused was arrested and has been in custody since. In court, the accused pleaded not guilty and denied all charges against him,” said Gunya.
During sentencing, state prosecutor, advocate Oduetse Gwai, argued that the accused raped the complainant numerous times and inflicted injuries on the complainant thus life imprisonment was prescribed by the Act. Gwai emphasized the gravity and prevalence of rape in his arguments for sentencing.
“Malekutu’s actions constituted a violation of the victim’s constitutional rights to bodily integrity and safety, resulting in brutal violence and lasting trauma,” he said.
In his ruling, Magistrate Ndade Maphango, acknowledged the aggravating circumstances of the case. Maphango ruled that the accused showed no remorse and targeted the vulnerable person being a woman.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari welcomed the sentence and lauded the prosecutor, investigating officer and other role players who ensured that justice was served to the victims. Makhari said this will serve as a deterrent to the perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in this country.
The Guardian 