TWO CONGOLESE NATIONALS SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment imposed by the Taung Regional Court on two Congolese nationals, Musore Djosia (32) and Hasuamni Handre Saluma (36), following their conviction on two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, and contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act. The convictions arise from an incident that occurred on 03 April 2022 near Seoding Village in Taung.

Evidence before the court revealed that the accused falsely presented themselves as traditional healers and were invited to the victims' home by a family member to assist with alleged traditional and spiritual challenges being experienced by the family. After making arrangements with the accused, the victims' uncle left the residence to watch a soccer match at a tavern, leaving the accused with members of the family.

During the purported ritual, both accused raped and sexually assaulted three victims aged 22, 36 and 48. The court further heard that the family had paid the accused for their services, as approximately ten family members had participated in the ritual.

Following investigations, both accused were arrested and charged. Bail was successfully opposed and denied. It was also established that both accused were unlawfully present in South Africa. The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Rebaona Mokgopa emphasised the seriousness of the offences and submitted that the accused had exploited the trust placed in them and undermined the integrity of legitimate traditional healers who serve communities in good faith. She urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

The court agreed with the State's submissions and found that the accused had betrayed the trust of the victims, who had relied on them for traditional and spiritual assistance.

The court imposed the following sentences: R2 000 or two years' imprisonment each for contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act; Life imprisonment each on two counts of rape; and eight years' imprisonment each for sexual assault. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment for each accused. The court further ordered that both accused be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended Prosecutor Rebaona Mokgopa for her diligent prosecution of the matter and praised the investigating officers for their efforts in securing justice for the victims. She reaffirmed the NPA's commitment to vigorously prosecuting gender-based violence and ensuring justice for victims while contributing to safer communities.

Issued by:

Sivenathi Gunya

National Prosecuting Authority