MOKOPANE FCS UNIT SECURES LIFE IMPRISONMENT AGAINST MAN CONVICTED OF RAPING 2-YEAR-OLD TODDLER
POLOKWANE: The Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit has secured a life sentence against a 29-year-old man convicted of raping a two-year-old girl in Magatle policing precinct.
The Thabamoopo Regional Court handed down the sentence following a diligent investigation by Detective Sergeant Khomotso Rammutla. In court, it was revealed that the accused, a family friend from the same neighborhood, visited the victim’s homestead on 12 September 2020. While pretending to play with the child, he took her inside the house and raped her. The victim’s sister witnessed the crime and alerted the mother, who found the accused in the act. The suspect fled, but a case of rape was opened, and Sergeant Rammutla commenced the investigation.
The suspect was traced and arrested, but the case was initially struck off the roll. However, the victim was referred to a Forensic Social Worker for statement-taking and assessment, and the DNA report was pursued, which came back positive. The case was reinstated, leading to the accused’s conviction and life imprisonment sentence.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the FCS Unit’s notable successes. “We are indebted to the efforts of men and women who continue to fight for innocent and vulnerable children who suffer abuse at the hands of ruthless criminals.”
