ERMELO – On February 9, Lucky Wiseman Mkhonto (33) was sentenced by the Ermelo Regional Court to 10 years’ imprisonment for rape.
According to Brig Selvy Mohlala, a provincial police spokesman, the 24-year-old victim was visiting a friend in Thusi Village on July 31, 2020, when Mkhonto asked her to accompany him to his house to fetch cigarettes.
Upon arrival at the house, Mkhonto locked the door and held the woman hostage. He threatened her with a knife and raped her.
“The next morning, on August 1 at about 04:00, Mkhonto fell asleep and the woman had the opportunity to escape,” Brig Mohlala said.
She reported the incident to the Ermelo police, who found Mkhonto in his house and arrested him.
The case was investigated by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Ermelo.
Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, the provincial police commissioner, thanked the team of investigators and the prosecution team.
“Gender-based violence should be dealt with harshly without any fear or favour,” she said.
