38-YEAR-OLD RAPIST SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT
The Protea Regional Court has sentenced Clement Moloi (38) to life imprisonment for the heinous crime of rape committed in Lehae, Lenasia. In addition to the life sentence, Moloi received a three-year sentence for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and a five-year sentence for kidnapping. The convictions stem from a distressing incident on 21 September 2018, where Moloi attacked a 40-year-old woman in Lenasia with an iron rod, causing injuries that required a 5-day hospitalisation, including a broken arm.
Investigations by Sergeant Masango further indicated that Moloi forcibly took the victim to his residence and subjected her to repeated sexual assaults. The victim identified the location of the assault and Moloi’s home, leading to his arrest. Notably, one of the victim’s shoes was found at the gate of Moloi’s house and the other inside the room where the assault occurred. Despite pleading not guilty and claiming the intercourse was consensual, the court found Moloi guilty on all charges.
Regional Court Prosecutor Magadi Mangena emphasised the gravity of the offences, noting that sexual violence has reached alarming levels which is tantamount to an epidemic. Given the severe nature of these crimes, she stressed that the community expects the courts to hand down severe sentences to offenders. Furthermore, the prosecutor highlighted that the victim still bears the physical and emotional scars of the assault, as she has yet to fully recover from her injuries.
The court recognised the prevalence of rape within its jurisdiction and the need for women to feel safe and free from fear of sexual assault. In light of this, the court imposed the minimum sentence of life imprisonment, finding no compelling reasons to deviate from it. This sentence demonstrates the court’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and advocating for justice and healing for survivors of sexual violence.
