Lesotho National and Accomplice Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Rape

10 April 2025
 
Lesotho National and Accomplice Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Rape

 
The Randfontein Magistrates’ Court has sentenced two 34-year-old men, Thabang Lebata and Jason Mamayile, to two life terms each, plus an additional five years for kidnapping and raping a 39-year-old woman in May 2023 in Brandvlei, Randfontein. Lebata, a Lesotho national, was further sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act, as he was found to be in South Africa illegally.
 
The court heard that on the night of the incident, between 20h00 and 21h00, the complainant was walking home from a nearby shop when she was accosted by the two men. They placed a cloth over her head and forcibly took her to their house, where they took turns raping her repeatedly. She testified that she managed to escape around midnight, fleeing naked to a neighbour’ s house, where she reported the ordeal.
 
The police were immediately summoned and accompanied the complainant to the accused's residence, where both men were arrested. Her belongings were recovered at the scene. Although only Lebata was linked to the crime through DNA evidence, Regional Court Prosecutor Rachel Bopape successfully argued that both accused acted in common purpose, warranting equal criminal liability.
 
Prosecutor Bopape also presented a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), compiled by Probation Officer Kelebogile Lelahane, which outlined the devastating emotional and psychological toll on the complainant, who was left traumatised and stripped of her dignity. With the support of Court Preparation Officer Ellen Matsimela, the complainant was able to find the courage to testify in court.
 
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) strongly condemns such heinous acts and remains steadfast in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This commitment is further demonstrated through the expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs), now numbering 65 across the country, which offer holistic support and services to victims of GBV. The collaborative efforts of Sergeant Au and prosecutor Bopape in this successful prosecution are commendable.
 
Issued by:

Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson – Gauteng Division, Johannesburg
083 402 4787 / 011 220 4245
hmjonondwane@npa.gov.za