Violent rape and assault, two accused get hefty sentences, NW

South African Police Service

Violent rape and assault, two accused get hefty sentences, NW
Violent rape and assault, two accused get hefty sentences, NW

North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo welcomed sentences handed down by the Atamelang and Lichtenburg Regional Courts this week for rape and assault.

On Monday, 26 August 2019, the Atamelang Regional Court sentenced Lefa Daniel Matlhaku (48), after he was found guilty on two counts of rape and one of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.

In the first incident reported in September 2011, Matlhaku assaulted his 33 year old girlfriend in Delareyville. As a result, the victim was admitted to hospital where she was treated and discharged after six days. Consequently, Matlhaku was sentenced to six years imprisonment for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Secondly, on Sunday, 16 October 2011, a 13 year old minor was accompanied by Matlhaku to Extension 8 in Delareyville. The accused then grabbed and raped the minor throughout the night. He was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for rape.

In the third and last incident on Tuesday, 8 January 2013, a 24 year old victim was walking in Granaat Laan in Delareyville when Matlhaku grabbed her from behind. The victim was forcefully taken to a dark and isolated place where she was raped. The accused was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape. All three sentences will run concurrently.

In Lichtenburg, the Regional Court sentenced a 21 year old man to 16 years imprisonment for rape and two years for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm on Wednesday, 28 August 2019, for raping and assaulting his step daughter in Lichtenburg in September 2016.

It was reported then that after raping the victim, the accused threatened that he will kill her in case she tells anyone about the incident. However, due to visible bruises on her body, she was taken to hospital for examination and rape was confirmed.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner applauded Lichtenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offence Unit (FCS) and other role players for their dedication in making sure that the two accused were brought to book and given hefty sentences. He said that this convictions will definitely send a strong message to would be perpetrators that crimes against women and children, which is national priority, will not be tolerated.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service