TWO MEN SENTENCED TO THREE LIFE TERMS FOR RAPE
LUTENDO LIVHEBE – MUDAU. The High Court of South Africa; North West Division sentenced Zuka Sithole (29) and Tubatse Eunice Mofokeng (26), to two three-life terms on three counts of rape and a further 15 years for aggravating circumstances. The sentence will run concurrently. Their conviction is linked to an incident that occurred on 26 February 2016, in Winterveldt, wherein they came across three women who were on their way to the shops to buy some items.
They subsequently approached the women and demanded their belongings, threatening them with a firearm. They robbed one of the women while assaulting her and later forced them to a secluded place, wherein they took turns in raping them repeatedly, before freeing them. The two fled the scene after committing the offence and the victims managed to source assistance from nearby homes. They later reported the matter to the police and the two were arrested and remained in custody until the completion of the trial. They pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In aggravation of sentence the state prosecutor, Adv Takalani Muneri, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, as the accused acted with savagery towards helpless women who posed no danger to them. Judge Samkelo Gura agreed with the state and bemoaned and expressed disgust at the manner the accused terrorised the victims through their pre-planned rapes.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo, lauded the prosecutor, SAPS investigating officer and other role players for a successful conviction. The criminal justice system will show no mercy to perpetrators of such violations against the most vulnerable sectors of our society”, she added.
