On Wednesday, 19 July 2023, Lebowakgomo Regional Court convicted and sentenced Thapelo Hlongwane (22) to 18 years imprisonment after raping a 66-year-old woman in Magatle during December 2022.
The Lebowakgomo Regional Court heard that on 18 December 2022, in the evening, the accused Thapelo Hlongwane went to the victim’s house at Magatle.
The Court also found that he forcefully opened the window and entered into her bedroom.
He found the old woman sleeping, he raped her and then fell asleep.
Victim left him there and ran to the neighbours for an assistance.
The Culprit was caught while fast asleep. The Police were immediately notified and they reacted swiftly. He was then arrested.
A case of rape was opened and transferred to Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS). It was then assigned to investigating officer Sergeant Lesetja Frans Langa for further investigations.
Sergeant Langa managed to oppose bail, until the accused was found guilty and convicted for rape. Thapelo Hlongwani (22) was sentenced to eighteen years direct imprisonment.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the Police for their swift reaction which led to the arrest of the accused and the investigating officer for securing a jail term. She further praising the community for alerting the Police after they caught the accused.” Concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
