KIMBERLEY- On 21 October 2019, the Upington Regional Court sentenced three rapists to life imprisonment for the rape of a female victim.

On 06 April 2014, at about 20:15, the victim was attacked by three suspects in front of her yard. Her arm was broken before as she was dragged to the nearby veld where the suspects took turns raping her. The victim was rescued by her boyfriend who heard the screams and came to her rescue.

A meticulous investigation conducted by Sergeant Rhyno Visagie of Kakamas Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences led to the arrest of the suspects. They were positively identified at an identification parade and linked with DNA results. The suspects were remanded custody as their bail was successfully opposed.

The trio was convicted and sentenced on 21 October 2019 as follows;

Accused 1: Pule Labase sentenced to life imprisonment

Accused 2: Lesego Dawid Lentswe sentenced to life imprisonment

Accused 3: Lefa Petrus Makhotsa was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

The Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Brigadier ES Mills, welcomed the sentencing and applauded the investigating officer for his tireless efforts in ensuring that those who transgress the law, especially crimes committed against women and children, face the full might of the law.

Source: South African Police Service