POLOKWANE- A 32-year-old man who raped her ex-girlfriend’s 11-year-old daugher in Tubatse outside Burgersfort before killing her in 2021 was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment today.
Limpopo Division of the High Court in Polokwane imposed this sentence on Lephoto Patrick Putang, 32, after he pleaded guilty to charges of rape and murder.The trial court heard that on 08 August 2021, the accused called the victim while playing next her home and requested her to follow him to his homestead.Once inside the house, Lephoto fondled her and the victim immediately ran out.The accused chased her until to a river where she raped her. Afterwards he strangled and stoned her. He then fled the scene.
The victim’s body was discovered by a passerby the following day after community members searched for without a success. Police were notified and upon arrival they opened a case of murder and rape which were then assigned to Sergeant Makutuma David Ngoasheng attached to Tubatse Detective Unit.
Due to the investigator’s merticoulus investigation and professionalism, the accused was arrested on the same day after he was positively linked to the incident.The accused was kept in custody until he was ultimately convicted.The sentences were passed as follows:
- Count 1: Murder- 20 years imprisonment.
- Count2 : Rape-15 years imprisonment.
The senteces were ordered to run concurrently.The accused will serve effective 20 years imprisonment.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the investigating officer for his diligent work that ensured another ruthless criminal is removed from the society for a long time.
