Several courts across the province once again showed no mercy towards criminals found guilty on charges of rape and murder when handing down hefty sentences in their respective cases last week.
Provincial Police Commissioner Nneke Ledwaba in a media statement welcomed the sentences and praised the respective investigation teams for their perseverance and dedication to secure successful prosecution. “The sentencing re-emphasises the commitment of the Police and other crime fighting authorities in bringing heartless suspects to book for heinous crimes against the most vulnerable groups in the community. With the Festive Season as well as the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children just around the corner I would like to reiterate that the province will be turned blue during the next few months as we are intensifying our crime prevention strategies and efforts to keep the community safe. Limpopo will not be a safe haven or harbour for criminals planning and executing their criminal activities,” he warned.
Last Wednesday the Groblersdal Regional Court sentenced Jacob Thabang Phetla to 30 years imprisonment for the rape of a seven-year-old child in March.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Ronel Otto said the victim was playing outside her parents’ house in Dennilton when Phetla approached her and called her to his room where he covered her mouth with his hand and raped her. “She was threatened to be killed if she tells anyone but the girl went straight to her aunt to tell her about the ordeal and the Police was informed,” Otto said.
On the same day Polokwane High Court sentenced Ernest Malatji to life behind bars for the rape and killing of a young woman at Rhelela Village in 2014.
“The victim and two friends were walking in the area of the village when they were overpowered by Malatji who was armed with a panga. Two of the women managed to escape but one of them was dragged into the bush, raped and killed. Malatji also cut off his victim’s left hand before leaving the scene,” Otto said. Malatji was arrested at Bolobedu a few weeks later and linked to the incident via DNA.
Otto also informed that Malesa Xolani from Maphalle Village, Bolobedu was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Tzaneen Regional Court last Thursday on conviction of rape of a 10-year-old girl in February 2015. On the same day Burgersfort Regional Court handed down a 15 years sentence to Daniel Dessageni Mentmo for murdering another person with a blunt object following an argument at Mecklenburg in August last year. The Lebowakgomo Regional Court also sentenced Petrus Sipho Sani to 20 years imprisonment following the rape of a 16-year-old girl at Moletlane Village during February this year.
The five men responsible for the robbing and killing of Ga-Malebogo traditional leader Job Lebogo in October last year were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Limpopo High Court last Tuesday. They are Moabelo Bryan Motsoko, Sello Mokobedi, Masipa Mabeba, Sello Manganye and Thabo Mohale.
Story: RC Myburgh
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