POLOKWANE: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has expressed satisfaction with the life sentence, along with an additional 75 years, given by the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane to a 33-year-old man from Seshego Makgofe village.
The defendant faced convictions for one count of attempted sexual assault, three counts of rape, and three counts of kidnapping.
To safeguard the victims’ identities and avoid further victimisation, the accused’s name has not been disclosed.
Additionally, the court declared the man unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
He maintained a plea of not guilty throughout the trial.
Evidence presented in court revealed that between 2019 and 2022, the accused used a knife to threaten victims before forcing them into secluded areas such as bushes, abandoned homes, or his residence, where the assaults took place.
Although the accused was initially unknown to the victims, DNA evidence eventually connected him to the crimes, leading to his arrest.
During the sentencing phase, State Advocate Elelwani Sarah Mufamadi highlighted that no substantial or compelling circumstances existed that would justify leniency from the mandatory minimum sentences. She noted the accused’s lack of remorse regarding the sexual violations and emphasized the profound trauma experienced by the victims as indicated in their impact statements.
The state stressed the necessity for the court to deliver a strong message that such grave offenses will result in severe penalties.
Adv. Ivy Thenga, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the Limpopo Division, affirmed that crimes of sexual violence violate victims’ rights to dignity, bodily integrity, and privacy as protected by the Constitution, which is why the NPA is relentless in its pursuit of justice in these cases.
The DPP praised the diligent efforts of Advocate Mufamadi, the investigative team, and all parties involved in achieving this crucial conviction.
