The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has hailed the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit for securing lengthy sentences of a life imprisonment and 30 years imprisonment handed down to two convicted rapists in the Mokerong Regional Court on Tuesday 18 July 2023.
In the first incident, Frans Khota aged 43 from Moshate village was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and house breaking with intent to rape. This after the accused on 2 February 2015, broke into the house of a 34-year-old woman, stabbed her on the arm and raped her. He then robbed the victim money and cellphone.
The victim managed to identify her attacker, as he was residing in the same neighbourhood which assisted in the speedy arrest.
The case was assigned to Sergeant Khomotso Rammutla.
The case against the accused was provisionally withdrawn pending DNA and it was reinstated after the results came back positive. The accused was ultimately found guilty and sentenced.
In the second incident, Simon Katjedi aged 35 from Mahwelereng Location was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape and 15 years imprisonment for robbery. The hefty sentence emanates from an incident that took place in April 2013 where the accused broke into the house of a 35-year-old woman and raped her.
The accused was granted bail and made several court appearance until he was also linked through DNA.
The case was investigated by Sergeant Ramolokoane Leshaba.
The Provincial Commissioner has praised both investigating officers for their diligence and meticulous investigation which paid off as two hardcore criminals were removed from the society for a long time. The sentences will send a stern message to all the perpetrators who abuse and torment women”, said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
