TZANEEN – THE police in Tzaneen, especially members of the crime prevention unit, have welcomed the lengthy prison term that was handed down to a rapist on Friday.
Daniel Stoffie Ngobeni (20) from Ga-Sekgopo village outside Modjadjiskloof appeared before the Tzaneen magistrate’s court and was convicted of raping of an 11-year-old girl. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for this crime.
According to Tzaneen police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the incident happened on the night of November 2 last year near the culprit’s home.
“It is understood that on the evening in question, Ngobeni encountered a group of young girls on the street. They were on their way home from a church service,” Ngoepe said. “When these girls came into direct confrontation with Ngobeni, he produced a knife and threatened them. He chased them and they ran in different directions. Unfortunately for the victim, the Ngobeni caught up with her and raped her.”
Ngoepe said the police welcomed the severe punishment that Ngobeni received, saying it would serve as a deterrent to would-be rapists.
In a separate story, a 28-year-old suspected serial rapist was expected to appear before the Tzaneen magistrate’s court on five counts of rape.
The man, who hailed from the Bolobedu area, was arrested for allegedly raping five women on separate occasions between 2009 and 2013. These incidents occurred at Bochabelo, Ga-Abel and Ga-Ntata villages where he targeted older women ploughing their fields.
Ngoepe said the victims were aged of 53, 69, 69, 74 and 75 at the time of the rapes.
“Older residents of Bolobedu said they were relieved that this attacker was arrested after a lengthy reign of terror in the area. His arrest would mean more freedom and safety for the people who live in this area,” Ngoepe explained.
By the time of going to print, the alleged rapist had not appeared in court yet and Ngoepe could not confirm any future court dates for this matter.
