By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Taung Regional Court has sentenced Kgorotlhe Thomas Kgatlhane (31), to life imprisonment on each of the two counts of rape, 10 years on each of the two counts of rape and 15 years on each of the two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The court declared him unfit to possess a firearm and further ordered for his name to be entered in the register of sexual offences.
According to NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, Kgatlhane’s conviction emanates from incidents that occurred between 2011 and 2016, around Magogong and Maphoitsile villages near Taung, wherein he terrorised women through his violent acts.
Mamothame said Evidence led in court revealed that he alone, and often with two accomplices, would attack women walking at night, rob them and take turns to rape them.
“He was later arrested on 30 June 2017 and remained in police custody until the completion of the trial. He was linked to the rapes through DNA specimens and he pleaded not guilty to all charges. Police are still searching for his accomplices,” said Mamothame.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Adv Zoleka Majikijela urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no substantial and compelling circumstances.
She further led the Victim Impact Statements, wherein the victims described the emotional and physical trauma they live with daily as a result of their ordeal.
Magistrate Thataetsile Matolong agreed with the state and remarked on the responsibility the court has in sending a strong message against perpetrators of such violent acts.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the collaboration between the prosecutor, Captain Obakeng Phirichwane and the Court Preparation Officer in ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to book.