On 10 July 2020, rapist Phenyo Semho (21) was sentenced to 10 years prison sentence by the Mothibistad Magistrates court for two separate cases.
The accused allegedly raped his 54-year-old female victim on 3 February 2014, at approximately 11:00 in the veld near Kahar village, Bothitong. The victim was on her way home when she was accosted by the accused who grabbed her and threatened her with a knife and raped her in the nearby veld.
The accused then fled the scene and later on the same day was arrested. He was released on bail and failed to appear in court after which a warrant of arrest was issued.
The investigating officer Warrant Officer Tebogo Nowalaza’s thorough and professional investigation led to the accused being sentenced to 10 years prison sentence for rape.
The same accused Phenyo Semho also raped his second victim a 16-year-old female on 2 December 2014, who was carrying her 9 month baby on her back at approximately 11:00 at Battle Mount Village in Bothitong. It’s believed that the victim was accosted by the suspect while on her way home. He demanded her cellphone which she handed over and also instructed her to lay her 9 month baby on the ground after which he raped her.
The suspect was arrested by the investigating officer, Sergeant Israel Tshose on 11 January 2020, and remanded in custody until his court appearance.
The suspect was linked to both cases by DNA.
The accused received a 10 year prison sentence for each of the two rape cases. Phenyo Semho was declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name was recorded in the National Sexual Offences Register.
The Kuruman FCS Commander, Captain Karen Nel applauded both members for their commitment and persistence in ensuring that both victims receive justice after almost 6 years.
Brigadier Nicky Mills, the Provincial Head of FCS in the Northern Cape indicated that the police will ensure that perpetrators of such heinous crimes will feel the full might of the law.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
