Tag Archives: the accused

Uncle sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his niece

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

A man (33) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Potchefstroom Regional Court for kidnapping and rape. On 27 July 2020, the accused, Daniel Mathuse, who is the uncle to the victim (9), tried to lure her away from where she was playing with her brother, but she refused.

Mathuse then took her by force and later raped her near the dam in Extension 6 in Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom.  

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West Sivenathi Gunya said, people went to search for the child and found her with the accused. Gunya said this comes after it was reported that her uncle forcefully removed her from where she was playing. 

“The child reported to the witness what happened and Mathuse was subsequently arrested. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges in court, but later, after the evidence of the victim was led and the DNA report became available, he made a formal admission in terms of Section 220 of Criminal Procedure Act,” he said.

In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor Hester Pretorious, argued that the court should give a deterrence sentence to the accused, as he violated the rights of the young girl. She further argued that Mathuse was supposed to protect his niece, instead he sexually assaulted her and took away her dignity and her confidence.

“There is a scourge of violence against women and children in the country and the court must protect the victims. So, we urge the court not to deviate from the imposed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” added Pretorious.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, the police and other role players, who ensured that justice was served to the victim. She said the DPP hopes this sentence will serve as a deterrent to other relatives that violate the rights of children in   their households, instead of protecting them.

“We encourage relatives to play the parenting role and urge the community to report any acts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to the relevant authorities,” said Makhari.

taungdailnews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to eight years imprisonment for being in possession of AK 47 rifle  

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The accused, Samuel Ngonyamo (42) was sentenced to eight years imprisonment by the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court for contravention of Immigration Act 13 of 2002, and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition, while Oliah Mthethwa (44) was sentenced to three months imprisonment for contravention of Immigration Act 13 of 2002, or legible to pay a R1000 fine.

In October 2023, members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) received a tip-off regarding two men who were alleged to be in possession of a firearm, near a certain restaurant in Ventersdorp.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the information was operationalised and the police searched a bag the duo was carrying. Gunya said inside the bag, an AK 47 rifle with magazine and ammunition were allegedly found.

“It was also established that the suspects did not possess documents to be in the country and were subsequently apprehended. The accused were denied bail and following a series of court appearances, they were eventually sentenced.

“The court has ordered that the duo be deported to their country of origin after the completion of their sentences,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the investigation and prosecution team for ensuring that the accused are brought to book.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to 35 years imprisonment for rape, escaping in custody

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A man (44) was sentenced to 35 years imprisonment in jail by the De Aar Regional Court for rape, escaping from a lawful custody and attempting to escape from lawful custody. On 25 August 2023 at around 15:40pm, the accused, Zamuxolo Michael Lester raped a woman (30) in the toilet of a tavern in Richmond and was subsequently arrested the following day.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Lester asked the police official on duty to use the bathroom and managed to escape from the holding cell in the Community Service Centre, but he was re-arrested in Richmond minutes later.

“The accused was later placed in the cells at the police station, where he again attempted to break the mesh fitted to the cell window. He remained in custody and was sentenced in the De Aar Regional Court on 15 July 2024.

“Lester was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for rape, 10 years imprisonment for escaping from lawful custody and five years imprisonment for attempting to escape from lawful custody,” said Kock.

He said Lester’s name will also be recorded in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended D/Sgt Ilze Fan from the De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit and D/Cst Rodney Julius of the Richmond Detectives for their hard-work that led to the outstanding sentences.

“Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a priority for the police. They will continue to sharpen their responses to crimes committed against the most vulnerable in society,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to three years imprisonment for attempted rape 

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE 

A man (33) was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Mothibistad Regional Court for attempted rape. On 16 June 2023 at around 19:35 at Lokaleng Section, in Seven Miles Village, the accused, Mosimanegape Patrick Ngobene, requested a woman (21) to accompany him and friends to a tavern.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said Ngobene touched her inappropriately and slapped her in the face. He said the accused was arrested two days later and was sentenced to three years imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of three years on 22 May 2024.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Zukiswa Otola lauded the Investigating Officer, D/WO Kenalemang Victoria Babeile from Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit, for excellent detective work that secured the attempted rape sentence. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com