A 23-YEAR-OLD MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING TWO MINOR GIRLS DURING 2022
POLOKWANE: The Regional Court in Thabazimbi has handed down a lengthy jail sentence of 25 years imprisonment against a rape accused aged 23 on Monday, 30 September 2024.
During court proceedings, it was heard that on 01 January 2022, at about 03:00, two young girls were walking on the streets of Regorogile section in Thabazimbi to their residence after attending a local new year’s celebration, when they met the accused who threatened them with a firearm. He ordered them to his place, wherein he raped the 16-year-old girl and thereafter locked her inside the toilet. He proceeded by dragging the 14-year-old to another nearby house, where he also raped her.
The victims managed to escape, and the incident was reported to the police and a rape case was registered against the accused.
The docket was transferred to Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit at Thabazimbi, and it was assigned to Warrant Officer Daniel Joseph Lotter for further investigations.
The suspect was traced and arrested for two counts of rape, two counts of kidnapping, and two counts of pointing of firearm.
The accused Lebogang Letlhake (23) was sentenced to 25 years in prison, as follows:
*Count 1: Rape 25 years imprisonment.
*Count 2: Rape 25 years imprisonment.
*Count 3: Kidnapping 5 years imprisonment.
*Count 4: Kidnapping 5 years imprisonment.
*Count 5: Pointing of firearm x2, 06 months imprisonment.
The sentences in Count 2,3,4, and 5 shall run concurrently with sentence in Count 1.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala has welcomed the sentencing, and he also applauded the investigating officer, and everyone who participated to ensure a breakthrough in the case.
