The Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit has once more effected a lengthy incarceration of a 28 year-old male accused, Lebo Xigombo Malatjie in connection with raping a 17 year-old(at the time) mentally disabled female victim at Mokgoloboto village outside Nkowankowa on 03 October 2015 at about 18:00.
The Court heard that the victim was walking home when she met the accused who was 19 years old during the commission of the crime. Malatjie unexpectedly grabbed a 17 year-old victim and forcefully dragged her to an abandoned one roomed house. Upon arrival, the victim was untimely raped by the accused who later fled the scene on foot.
The incident was reported to Ritavi police who immediately opened a case of rape afterward. The case was later transferred to Tzaneen (FCS) Unit and Sergeant Klaas Mulungwa was assigned to take over the matter for further investigations.
Malatjie managed to evade an arrest because he did not have a stable residence but he was imminently apprehended the following year on 28 November 2016. The accused was later granted bail but failed to avail himself in court and a warrant of arrest was issued against him.
Sergeant Mulungwa displayed his indefatigable ability and Malatjie’s luck ran out as he was subsequently rearrested this year on 21 January 2024 while at a local tavern in Mokgolobotho village.
The accused remained in police custody until he was convicted and handed a 10 year imprisonment at Ritavi Magistrate Court on Wednesday 22 May 2024.
Moreover, Sergeant Klaas Mulungwa managed to secure a 15 year imprisonment metted out to another 28 year-old male accused for raping a six year old child on 31 January 2019 at Mokgoloboto village.
The minor was at home with her cousin aged 09 years together with the accused believed to be an uncle of the victim.
The accused who was also 19 years during the incident raped the victim in his bedroom and a 09 year-old cousin found his uncle busy raping her and immediately informed his mother.
The accused was in hiding until he was nabbed on 26 June 2019 and Sergeant Mulungwa left no stone unturned and ensured that a 28 year-old accused was never granted bail until handed a 15 year sentencing at the same court on 21 May 2024.
“I applaud the sterling investigative work that was executed by Sergeant Mulungwa who continue to rid out criminals who endanger the lives of vulnerable women and children in our society” said the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
