DIRECT 28 YEARS IMPRISONMENT HANDED AGAINST A RAPE ACCUSED

The Lebowakgomo FCS (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences) unit has displayed diligence investigative skills when a 28-year-old accused was convicted and sentenced to a 28 years imprisonment by Thabamoopo Regional Court for cases of rape, robbery and kidnapping, on Wednesday, 20 March 2024.

The information received from the police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba indicate that the court heard that on 29 October 2022, the accused met his ex girlfriend and her new boyfriend at the Lebowakgomo Mall. He threatened the two, robbed them cash amount of R500, chased the boyfriend and thereafter forced the woman to his grandparent’s house at Standplaas village in Lebowakgomo policing area, where he raped her. He later released the victim.

She informed her family and a cases of rape, robbery and kidnapping were registered against the accused. Warrant Officer Phakiso Gololo of Lebowakgomo FCS unit was assigned to further investigate the cases.

The suspect was tracked down and arrested.

Following trials, the accused Nthabeleng Lesiba Pheme (28) was sentenced to 10 (ten) years imprisonment for rape, fifteen (15) years imprisonment for robbery and three (03) years imprisonment for kidnapping.

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded the investigating officer and all the participants for their efforts in ensuring the victim and family receive justice.