By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Atamelang Regional Court sentenced Fana Jonas Selemogo (38), to life imprisonment for rape. The court further ordered that his name be registered in the sexual offender’s register.
His conviction emanates from an incident that occurred on 16 November 2013 at Sanieshof, wherein the 24-year-old complainant was accosted by the accused while walking home from a nearby tavern, accompanied by her friend.
NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, said the accused subsequently grabbed her by her hand and dragged her away from her friend, who also tried effortlessly to rescue her but was overpowered by the accused.
He said she thereafter ran home to seek help. When she came back with her brother, the accused and the complainant had already left.
“The accused managed to drag the complainant to his shack while assaulting her, and upon arrival he repeatedly raped her. The next morning, she managed to flee and when she arrived home, she reported the incident to her aunt.
“The matter was subsequently reported to the police who later effected an arrest. The complainant was also rushed to a nearby medical facility to receive medical attention and for DNA samples to be taken. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
“He was granted bail however absconded until he was rearrested on 21 Feb 2017, and remained in custody until the completion of trial,” said Mamothame.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Edward Manicus, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances to do so.
Magistrate Stefan Du Toit agreed with the state and remarked that rape is a very serious offence that causes permanent scars on the victims and that the courts have a responsibility to send a strong message to wannabe offenders.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, investigating officer and other role players in bringing the perpetrator to book.