A younger kid’s bravery performed an important function in figuring out the attacker and securing a conviction.
A Northern Cape man who raped a blind aged girl has been sentenced to life imprisonment within the Mothibistad Regional Court docket.
The court docket discovered 27-year-old Thato Lekgoe responsible on one depend of burglary with intent to rape and one depend of rape.
Lekgoe was additionally declared unfit to own a firearm and unsuitable to work with aged folks, and his identify was entered into the Nationwide Register for Intercourse Offenders.
The conviction follows an incident on 2 March 2024 in Letlhakajaneng village close to Kuruman, the place the accused broke into the house of an 84-year-old blind girl and raped her.
Youngster witness assault and aids investigation
Nationwide Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane mentioned on the time, two minor relations aged between six and eight had been asleep within the bed room.
Armed with a knife and an axe, Lekgoe entered the room, overpowered the lady after which raped her.
In a outstanding act of bravery, the six-year-old managed to cover the axe and later recognized Lekgoe utilizing a cellphone mild.
That, Senokoatsane mentioned, grew to become essential for the investigation.
“The matter skilled preliminary delays as a result of excellent DNA outcomes, which in the end linked the accused to the crime,” he mentioned.
Court docket rejects Lekgoe’s defence
Through the trial, the accused denied the allegations, claiming he had been framed.
Nonetheless, the court docket rejected his model as implausible.
Senokoatsane mentioned the minor little one’s identification was pivotal in securing the DNA proof that led to the conviction.
He mentioned in aggravation, state prosecutor Bernice Bronkhorst-Oor introduced a sufferer influence assertion detailing the “profound psychological trauma” the aged girl suffered, together with concern for her security and humiliation.
“The court docket discovered that the brutal and degrading nature of the crime, coupled with the accused’s lack of regret, warranted the prescribed minimal sentence of life imprisonment,” the NPA spokesperson mentioned.
Help for the aged girl
“The NPA acknowledges the essential function of court docket preparation officer Magnificence Moreeng, who ensured witnesses, notably the younger little one, had been ready to testify and facilitated the sufferer influence assertion.”
He additional mentioned the NPA additionally commends the Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in Kuruman, which supplied quick medical care, psychosocial help, and help all through the prison justice course of.
The centre ensured the lady obtained dignified, built-in care whereas strengthening the prosecution’s case.
“TCCs are central to South Africa’s response to sexual offences, providing a multidisciplinary, victim-centred method that brings collectively prosecutors, police, healthcare professionals, and social providers to cut back trauma, protect proof, and help victims from reporting to case finalisation.
“The NPA stays dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide, making certain perpetrators are held accountable, and victims obtain justice and help.”
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