A Zimbabwean national was sentenced to three life terms for raping three minor victims.
The Modimolle Regional Court convicted and sentenced Tinos Chimeze (33), for raping minors aged 8,9 and 11 years old, respectively.
Chimeze pleaded not guilty to all counts, saying that the victims only came to his house to view his woodwork and that he even offered them food. The evidence revealed that Chimedze had been luring the victims to his place in 2022, offering them soft drinks and food.
He then proceeded to rape the victims in his house in the presence of all the victims. The incident was brought to the attention of the police by a social worker, who interviewed the victims. The accused has taken the three victims to a social worker alleging that he was taking care of them and that they need food.
Medical evidence confirmed that the victims were indeed sexually abused. The court rejected the version of the accused and convicted the accused on three counts of rape.
In aggravation of sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor, Mokhobedi Desiree Tlhoaela, submitted that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment in each count.
The court found that indeed there were no substantial and compelling circumstances and sentenced the accused to three life imprisonment terms.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, said that the NPA is committed to dealing with the scourge by ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book and appropriately sentenced. This in turn will serve to deter would-be offenders.
She further congratulated prosecutor Tlhoaela, CPO Tshifhiwa Tshaumbela, and Sgt Tukakgomo for sterling work.