The Provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit members worked hard with other role players to secure successful convictions and sentencing of 30 sexual offenders between October and November 2020.
The convictions include seven life terms handed down to four accused and a combined 353 years imprisonment imposed on additional 26 accused for various sexual offences. During the same period, 437 sexual offences suspects were arrested in the province.
In one of the cases in Morokweng, Reaobaka Alphius Baikepi (26) was sentenced to life by the Ganyesa Regional Court on Tuesday, 17 November 2020, for raping a 76-year-old woman at Selosesha Section, Morokweng near Vryburg in April 2017. The old woman was sleeping alone at her residence when Baikepi broke the window to gain entry and covered the granny’s mouth with his hands and raped her. Afterwards, he locked the victim’s bedroom, took the key and fled from the scene. The accused was arrested after being linked with the incident through DNA.
In another unrelated case also in Morokweng, Lucky Gaesirwe (37) was sentenced to life following his arrest in December 2018, for the rape of a 78-year-old woman at Gamorakile Section. The accused was from a tavern in the middle of the night when he broke into the victim’s place, then overpowered and raped her. The accused then fell asleep next to the victim. The latter managed to get a knobkerrie which she used to assault the accused before alerting her neighbours. The police were summoned and arrested the accused for rape.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the FCS Units for their commitment that led to achieving the successes. He reiterated that crimes against women and children are a national priority and that the sentences will certainly send a clear message that those who commit crime will do the time in jail.
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