By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 April 2025- Two men aged 34, were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court rape. This comes after the accused, Thabang Lebata and Jason Mamayile, kidnapped and raped a woman (39), in Brandvlei, Randfotein in May 2023.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused were also sentenced to an additional five years for kidnapping. Mjonondwane said Lebata, a Lesotho national, was further sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act, as he was found to be in South Africa illegally.
“The court heard that on the night of the incident, between 20h00 and 21h00, the complainant was walking home from a nearby shop when she was accosted by two men. They placed a cloth over her head and forcibly took her to their house, where they took turns raping her repeatedly.
“She testified that she managed to escape around midnight, fleeing naked to a neighbour’s house, where she reported the ordeal. The police were immediately summoned and accompanied the complainant to the accused’s residence, where both men were arrested,” she said.
Mjonondwane further said her belongings were recovered at the scene. She added that, although only Lebata was linked to the crime through DNA evidence, the state prosecutor, Rachel Bopape, successfully argued that both accused acted in common purpose, warranting equal criminal liability.
“Bopape also presented a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), compiled by Probation Officer Kelebogile Lelahane, which outlined the devastating emotional and psychological toll on the complainant, who was left traumatised and stripped of her dignity. With the support of Court Preparation Officer, Ellen Matsimela, the complainant was able to find the courage to testify in court.
“NPA strongly condemns such heinous acts and remains steadfast in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This commitment is further demonstrated through the expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs), now numbering 65 across the country, which offer holistic support and services to victims of GBV. The collaborative efforts of Sergeant Au and prosecutor Bopape in this successful prosecution are commendable,” she said.
The Guardian 