NPA SECURES 14-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR HAMMANSKRAAL RAPIST

Pretoria – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of 14 years' direct imprisonment imposed by the Pretoria Magistrates' Court on Lehlogonolo Mongwe (28) of Hammanskraal for the rape of a 17-year-old girl. In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered that Mongwe's name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The court heard that on 19 June 2021, the victim was at a park in Soshanguve with friends when Mongwe, who was known to her, approached and offered to take her to Kolonnade Shopping Centre. The victim accepted the offer and accompanied him in his vehicle. While en route, Mongwe informed the victim that he first needed to return the vehicle to his workplace in East Lynne before proceeding to the shopping centre. Upon arrival, he dropped off the vehicle and persuaded the victim to accompany him to his nearby residence on foot. Once there, Mongwe informed the victim that he would no longer be taking her to the shopping centre and instead insisted that she spend the night at his residence. The victim refused and attempted to leave. However, while walking away, Mongwe dragged her back into the yard, assaulted her, and forced her to remain at the residence. During the night, he raped her twice. The following morning, the victim managed to leave the residence. While walking, she encountered a police patrol vehicle and immediately reported the incident. Police officers responded to the complaint, and while the victim was still providing information, Mongwe approached the police vehicle and was promptly arrested.

During the trial, Mongwe pleaded not guilty and claimed that the complainant was his girlfriend and that the sexual intercourse had been consensual. However, State Prosecutor Sfiso Hlongwane presented compelling evidence, including the victim's testimony, which proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. During sentencing proceedings, Mongwe, through his legal representatives, requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. He submitted that he was a first-time offender, that his minor child, mother, and siblings were dependent on him, and that he had spent eight months in custody awaiting trial. In response, Hlongwane argued that rape remains a serious and prevalent offence within the court's jurisdiction and that Mongwe had shown no remorse for his actions, as he continued to maintain that the victim was his girlfriend. Hlongwane further submitted that Mongwe had exploited and preyed upon a vulnerable young woman who had trusted him to take her to a shopping centre.

In delivering sentence, the Magistrate agreed with the State's submissions, finding that Mongwe had shown no remorse and had committed a serious offence that violated the victim's constitutional rights and dignity. The court further noted that sentences imposed on perpetrators of similar crimes had not deterred offenders from committing such acts and emphasised the need for courts to deal decisively with those who transgress the law. The Magistrate also acknowledged the widespread concern in society regarding sexual offences, noting that women and children continue to live in fear of such attacks. While the court ultimately found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, it nevertheless imposed a sentence of 14 years' direct imprisonment, finding that the accused's youthfulness was a relevant factor in mitigation.

The NPA remains committed to protecting the rights of women and children, holding perpetrators of sexual offences accountable, and ensuring that survivors receive justice through the criminal justice system.

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria