The Rapist Was Sentenced To 22 Years Imprisonment.
The High Court of South Africa: Polokwane Limpopo Division, has sentenced a 22-year-old, Thapelo Tonny Phasha, to an effective 22 years of direct imprisonment, for three (3) counts of rape. The court heard that between April 2018 and May 2019, the accused raped girls aged 15 and 17. Thapelo came across the first complainant, took her to the nearest bushes and raped her. The second complainant was walking with her friend when the accused approached and threatened them. The complainant was taken to the mountain and was raped twice.
The third complainant asked the accused to accompany him to his girlfriend's place and Thapelo dragged the complainant into the bushes and raped him as well. The accused pleaded guilty to all offences, to show that he is remorseful for his actions. During the aggravation of the sentence, state Adv. Sontaga Malefahlo submitted, that offences of this nature are very prevalent in this country, and one of the victims was a minor during the commission of this crime. He further submitted to the court that it must not deviate from imposing the minimum prescribed sentence. The court sentenced Thapelo Phala to 22 years imprisonment, for three counts of rape.
The NPA welcomes the sentence and applauds the good work of Adv Sontaga Malefahlo and Sergeant Sello Morerwa for ensuring that justice is served in the community.
Issued by :
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Limpopo Division
0748233603