Tebogo Msimanga |
The Phokeng Regional Court on Friday sentenced Ratang William Moitshodi (27) to 10 years in prison on a charge of rape. Police reports reveal that on 26 January 2019, in Lefaragatlha village in North West Province, Moitshodi approached the victim who was in the company of her sister and was 8 months pregnant at the time.
He then introduced himself as a prophet, told the victim that he had premonitions about her pregnancy and that she may suffer a miscarriage.
North West National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Henry Mamothame said subsequently, Moitshodi convinced the victim to accompany him to his place where they will perform a ritual to save the life of the unborn baby. “Out of fear of losing her second child as she had previously miscarried, she then agreed for a ritual to be performed.”
Moitshodi then took out some traditional medicine and started rubbing it on the victim’s belly. Shortly afterwards, he then moved to the victim’s private parts. In her testimony, the victim told the court that Moitshodi took off his pants and raped her. She reported the matter to the police and the accused was arrested on 27 January 2019.
Advocate Matshidiso Molope urged the court to consider the manipulation by the accused as it instilled fear in a vulnerable woman who did not want to lose a child.
Magistrate Segakweng Moeng shared the state’s sentiments and alluded to the fact that the criminal justice system has a responsibility to protect vulnerable women and children against the likes of Moitshodi.
