Coligny home invasion: 30 Year sentence for aggravated robbery and rape

South African Police Service

Coligny home invasion: 30 Year sentence for aggravated robbery and rape
Coligny home invasion: 30 Year sentence for aggravated robbery and rape

The Lichtenburg Regional Court on Tuesday, 4 August 2020, sentenced Lentikile Tau (28) to 30 years imprisonment for rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

It came out during the proceedings that a couple aged 48 and 37 was asleep when Tau entered their residence through a broken window at about 04:00 on Friday, 5 May 2017 at Extension 5, Tlhabologang Location in Coligny. It was at that point that the man became aware of a strange noise and went to investigate. Unfortunately, he was confronted by the accused who assaulted him several times with a spade while demanding money.

After robbing the couple of their cash, the accused left the man lying unconscious and went for the woman whom he repeatedly raped without using protection. The accused fled the scene thereafter on foot.

The incident was reported to the police and the accused was eventually apprehended on Monday, 20 November 2017. As a result, Tau was found guilty on all charges and sentenced as follows:

Count 1: rape – 25 years imprisonment;
Count 2: robbery – 15 years imprisonment;
Count 3: assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) – 2 years imprisonment;
Count 4: rape – 30 years imprisonment

The court ordered that all sentences imposed will run concurrently. Furthermore, the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Thabiso Molefe and all those involved for securing yet another hefty sentence at the time when the country is commemorating Women’s Month. He reiterated that the police will work tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence are brought to book. In conclusion, he urged members of the community to work together with the entire criminal justice in the fight against the scourge and to be vocal about crimes committed against women and children.

SAPS Newsroom

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SOURCESouth African Police Service