MAN SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS OF IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING TWO MINOR BOYS
RITAVI: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of two life terms of imprisonment imposed by the Nkowankowa Regional Court on a 40-year-old man from Sedan Village for the rape of two minor boys, aged seven and 11. The court also declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be included in the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The accused pleaded not guilty. During the trial, the State led evidence from witnesses who testified that the accused and the victims were known to each other, as they resided in the same village. On 15 March 2022, the victims encountered the accused while returning from a soccer match. He asked them to assist him in carrying bread and cold drinks and to accompany him to his home. Upon arrival, he offered them food and subsequently refused to allow them to leave. He then threatened the boys with a taser and repeatedly raped them. Following the incident, one of the victims disclosed the matter to a friend, who informed his family. The victims were immediately taken to hospital for medical examination, and the accused was subsequently arrested.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Michael Moretsele submitted that rape remains a prevalent offence within the jurisdiction and that severe sentences are necessary to deter would-be offenders. He further argued that the victims were particularly vulnerable and that the accused had abused a position of trust. The offences caused significant and irreparable harm to the victims. The State also submitted that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Adv. Ivy Thenga, stated that all cases of sexual violence infringe upon the rights to dignity and privacy of victims, as enshrined in the Constitution. She reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to the vigorous prosecution of sexual offences and commended both the prosecution and investigation teams for their diligent work in securing the conviction and sentence.
