The NkowaNkowa Regional court has convicted and sentenced Tumelo Doctor Malatji(37), to two life terms plus 17 years for three counts of rape, kidnapping and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The convictions and sentences emanate from incidents which took place between 2014 and 2015 around Bolobedu area.
Malatji would target his victims from tarvens, accosted and forced them to secluded areas at knifepoint where he raped them.
One of his victims was a minor aged 15 years old when the ordeal took place on Christmas day, whilst she was in the company of her friends.
On her way home she came across Malatji, who assaulted her and forcefully took her to the river and raped her more than once.
The victim was threatened with a knife and was told not to report the matter to anyone.
Malatji was unknown to the community and the complainant.
During the trial he pleaded not guilty to all the charges put against him claiming consent from all his victims.
The Regional court prosecutor Mpho Mehlape led the testimonies of the victims and medical reports indicating the injuries sustained by the victims.
The evidence was also supported by positive DNA results.
The Victim Impact Statements detailing how the incidents negatively impacted on the victims was presented in court and victims expressed the humiliation they suffered as a result of the ordeal.
In arguing for sentence, the state submitted to the court that rape should be considered the most heinous of crimes and constitute a humiliating, degrading and brutal act which invade the privacy and dignity of the victim.
She submitted that the imposition of a harsh sentence would deter would-be offenders from committing similar offence.
The prosecutor further argued that the court should not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisionment as there are no substantial and compelling circumstances.
The Regional court magistrate Zanetic agreed with the state and remarked that it is the responsibility of the courts to impose harsh sentences on perpetrators who commit such heinous crimes.
