![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/08/gavel-2-1236453-159_96509.jpg)
Tebogo Phushudi, aged 21, has been found guilty in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court of raping a 15-year-old girl.
According to Sergeant Linkie Lefakane, Bekkersdal Police spokesperson, the rape occurred on 23 January 2016 at approximately 8pm in the Tambo section of Bekkersdal.
The victim was allegedly walking home with a friend when Phushudi approached them, armed with a stick and a knife. Phushudi is said to have started talking to them and demanded that the victim walk with him. When the victim refused, the Phushudi allegedly threatened her at knife-point.
The victim was later taken to an unknown place where Phushudi assaulted her with a stick. When she tried to make a noise, he threatened to use his knife.
Phushudi raped the victim twice, and then fell asleep. While he was asleep, the victim managed to escape on foot.
She reported the matter to her parents who took her to the police to open a rape and assault case.
“A case was opened and the swift reaction of Warrant Officer Daniel Ndumiso and Constable Manako Seleke, resulted in the suspect being apprehended in the early hours of 24 January,” Lefakane explained.
After a thorough investigation, led by detective Warrant Officer Johannes Makona, the suspect was convicted and sentenced in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court on 26 July. He received 18 years’ imprisonment for the two counts of rape against him and an additional six months for the assault charge.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
Also read:
Victim pours out heart after rape
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!