Joseph Mokoena (60) was recently sentenced to life imprisonment in the Springs Magistrate’s Court for sexual offence and rape he committed in 2015.
He watched a group of children playing in Kgadwane Street, KwaThema on October 25, 2015, and grabbed one of the girls (age unknown) by dragging her into an open field, where he raped her.
“The minor’s friends ran to a nearby house to report the incident,” says SAPS spokesperson Capt Johannes Ramphora.
The community immediately started a search to find the culprit and caught him raping the child.
“The community called the police and the suspect was arrested on the scene,” he says.
A case docket was opened at the KwaThema Police Station.
Mokoena was charged with sexual offence and rape.
He appeared in court the following day for bail application, but bail was denied due to the seriousness of the crime and the case was transferred to the Springs Regional Court.
The case was finalised on June 30 when the accused was found guilty and was convicted to life imprisonment.
Ramphora says they expect the conviction to serve as a deterrent to those who consider committing such barbaric acts.
Mokoena will serve his time in Modderbee Prison.
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