GIYANI REGIONAL COURT CONVICTED AND SENTENCED A MALE ACCUSED TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE

The Giyani Regional Court convicted and sentenced the accused Languthani Rikhotso 28-year-old to 15 years imprisonment for rape of a 22-year-old woman in Gandlanani village. The case was finalized on Monday 20 May 2024.

The court heard that on Saturday, 08 April 2023 the victim left the tarven where she was drinking when the suspect asked her to accompany him to his place. When they reached his residence, he asked the victim to sleepover; the victim refused, and an altercation ensued that awoke the suspect’s younger brother, who questioned the suspect.

While they were still talking, the victim jumped the fence, intending to escape. The suspect followed her, grabbed her, took her to the bush,and raped her.
The victim managed to escape to the nearest church for assistance after the ordeal. She was assisted, and the police were notified about the incident, and a rape case was opened.

The accused was arrested on 08 April 2023 at Gandlanani village.
The case was then transferred to FCS Giyani for further investigation and assigned to Sergeant Mathebula Amukelani. The accused was granted bail for R1000 on 16 April 2023.

He appeared again at court; he was found guilty on 20 May 2024, convicted, and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sentencing meted out by Giyani Regional Court.

The court declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm and further that the accused particulars to be included in the National Sex Offenders Register.