Rapists must receive heavy sentences

Thabazimbi – Department of Social Development Limpopo member of the executive committee (MEC) Nkakareng Rakgoale called on the courts to apply the maximum sentence of life imprisonment when sentencing convicted rapists.  

The MEC was one of the people who sat inside the Thabazimbi Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 4 February to hear the case of a 26-year old man, who is being accused of raping an elderly woman living in an informal settlement near Thabazimbi. 

“The president of South Africa has been saying that all perpetrators of gender-based violence must not have a place in society. The courts must sentence these criminals to life imprisonment to send a clear message,” she said. 

“The victim also needs everyone’s support because you can clearly see that she is still affected by this ordeal and all that she went through,” the MEC added.   

Initial evidence gathered by the police suggests that the 26-year old man broke into the 52-year old victim’s room on Sunday 2 February and raped her.  

According to the police the man fell asleep soon after raping the woman, who managed to run away to call for help. 

The police reacted swiftly and arrested the suspect while he was still sleeping on the victim’s bed.  
Preliminary investigations by the police have revealed that the suspect was previously arrested and sentenced to six months imprisonment for housebreaking and theft. 

He is set to soon make another appearance at the same court. 
Police are still investigating the case.