Tebogo Msimanga |
The Atamelang Regional Court sentenced Wandile Bome (26), to life imprisonment for rape, 3 years for assault with grievous bodily harm and an additional 2 years for another assault with grievous bodily harm.
Bome’s conviction emanates from an incident that unfolded on the evening of 29 February 2020, at Ganaalagte, near Delareyville, wherein the complainant and her boyfriend were walking home from a tavern.
North West NPA spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the accused then accosted th froe victims from behind and assaulted the boyfriend with a stick, resulting in the boyfriend fleeing the scene. “The accused went on to assault the woman with a stick before grabbing her and dragging her to his place of residence. He then raped her repeatedly and subsequently chased her away. The complaint described him in court to be his relative”.
Bome was arrested on 03 March 2023, after evading the police. “He was granted bail but it was later reversed after he failed to appear in court. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges”.
The state prosecutor, Edward Manicus, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances provided.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, investigating officer and other role players who ensured that the perpetrator was brought to book.
