Tebogo Msimanga |
Lebowakgomo Regional Court convicted and sentenced Thapelo Hlongwane(22) to 18 years imprisonment after raping a 66-year-old woman in Magatle in December 2022.
The court heard that on 2022-12-18 in the evening, the accused went to the victim’s house at Magatle.The Court also found that he forcefully opened the window and entered into her bedroom.
Limpopo Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said Hlongwane found the old woman sleeping. “He raped her and then fell asleep. Victim left him there and ran to the neighbours for assistance. The Culprit was caught while fast asleep”.
Ledwaba said the Police were mmediately notified and they eacted swiftly. “Hlongwane was then arrested”.
Ledwaba added that a case of rape was opened and transferred to Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS). It was then assigned to investigating officer Sergeant Lesetja Frans Langa for further investigations.
“Sergeant Langa managed to oppose bail until the accused was found guilty and convicted for rape. Thapelo Hlongwani (22)was sentenced to eighteen years direct imprisonment”.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the Police for their swift reaction which led to the arrest of the accused and the investigating officer for securing a jail term.
