The Modimole District Court has allegedly sentenced a 34-year-old man to 25 years in prison for raping a 15-year-old girl

It is reported that the Modimolle District Court convicted and sentenced the 34-year-old male accused, Hendrick Shlangoma Maluleke for the rape of a 15-year-old girl. 

The court heard that the victim was walking alone in Bela-Bela, Extension 5 in Mandela Village when she encountered the accused who forcefully grabbed her and threatened her with a knife.  The court found that the accused forcibly took the victim to a secluded area and then raped her before fleeing the area on foot.

 The victim saw the vehicle pass and called for help. The vehicle was accompanied by three men who returned the victim to the scene to retrieve his shoes.

 On arrival, they found the accused and immediately arrested him and he was taken to Bela-Bela police station.

 Police opened a case of rape against him and it was later transferred to Bela-Bela Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) for further investigation. Sergeant Emily Mosima Mabena was assigned to investigate the matter and was able to confirm that the accused was never granted bail.

Through DNA analysis the accused was positively linked to the rape incident. During the Court proceedings the accused pleaded guilty to the offense and was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment  by the Modimolle District Court.

The accused was also told he is not fit to own a firearm and his name will be listed on the Sexual Offenses Register.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the Modimolle District Court for the public removal of the accused and the unresolved investigative work done by Sergeant Mabena to secure a conviction.