The Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court handed down a life imprisonment sentence to 44-year-old Molemi Makwale Tema on Thursday, 26 June 2025, for the rape of a 49-year-old woman in Seleteng Village, Ga-Mphahlele. The horrific crime took place between 18 and 19 May 2025.
According to court proceedings, the victim was returning from her parents’ home in Dithabaneg, heading to Mashite Village, when an unknown vehicle offered her a lift. She was dropped off in Seleteng Village, where she waited for further transport. As evening fell and the area was plunged into darkness due to loadshedding around 21:00, an unidentified man approached her, holding a beer bottle. After a brief greeting, the suspect suddenly produced a knife, forced her to comply, and led her to a secluded area near a tavern, where he raped her at knifepoint on the street.
The assailant then took the victim to a nearby house, where he repeatedly assaulted her. The following morning, she was released and immediately reported the incident to the police.
The case was assigned to Sergeant Mokgadi Sara Mokoena of the Lebowakgomo Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit. Through her relentless efforts in gathering evidence, she ensured that justice was served for the victim.
The court’s decision underscores the severity of gender-based violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The life sentence serves as a stern warning against such heinous crimes.
