The Potchefstroom regional court sentenced Thabang Ratikoane (32) to 18 years imprisonment on charges of statutory rape. The incident allegedly occurred at OR Tambo Hall in Ext. 7, Ikageng, in April 2016.
Ratikoane, a friend to the victim’s brother, allegedly followed the victim, who was 12 years old at the time, to the hall where her brother had an event. He called her to the back of the hall, where he allegedly kissed and undressed her before raping her.
The same thing allegedly happened twice in April 2016. The victim says this was nothing new as the accused had started raping her in 2015 when she was 11 years old.
According to Sgt Amogelang Malwetse, spokesperson for the SAPS, the matter was reported to the police and Ratikoane was arrested and received bail. He made his final appearance in the regional court on 8 March, where he was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment.
