Sergeant Bongani Mthombeni.
The Naphuno Magistrate’s Court on Monday sentenced a 46-year-old man to three life terms for raping his step-daughter.
The court heard that, from 16 April 2018 to July 2018, a 15-year-old girl was raped by her stepfather on different days. The victim also attempted to commit suicide. She was then rushed to the hospital for medical assistance and while she was in the hospital, her mother discovered a suicidal note under her pillow. It formed part of the investigation.
After the victim was discharged. On Friday,12 October 2018, they notified the police about the incident, and the police opened a case of rape.
The case was transferred to Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit, and Sergeant Bongani Mthombeni was assigned to investigate the case further.
The rapist was arrested on 16 October 2018 at Tzaneen and charged with three counts of rape. Sergeant Bongani Mthombeni opposed the bail against the accused; he remained in custody until he was found guilty, convicted, and sentenced.
The Provincial Polie Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, hailed the lengthy jail term imposed on the accused, and praised the investigative team for securing the conviction.
Meanwhile, the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit has once more effected a lengthy incarceration of a 28 year-old Lebo Xigombo Malatjie in connection with raping a 17 year-old mentally disabled victim at Mokgoloboto village outside Nkowankowa on 03 October 2015 at about 18:00.
The Court heard that the victim was walking home when she met the accused who was 19 years old during the commission of the crime. Malatjie unexpectedly grabbed a 17 year-old victim and forcefully dragged her to an abandoned one roomed house. Upon arrival, the victim was untimely raped by the accused who later fled the scene on foot.
The incident was reported to Ritavi police who immediately opened a case of rape afterward. The case was later transferred to Tzaneen (FCS) Unit and Sergeant Klaas Mulungwa was assigned to take over the matter for further investigations.
Malatjie managed to evade an arrest because he did not have a stable residence but he was imminently apprehended the following year on 28 November 2016. The accused was later granted bail but failed to avail himself in court and a warrant of arrest was issued against him.
Sergeant Mulungwa displayed his indefatigable ability and Malatjie’s luck ran out as he was subsequently rearrested this year on 21 January 2024 while at a local tavern in Mokgolobotho village.
The Malatjie remained in police custody until he was convicted and handed a 10 year imprisonment at Ritavi Magistrate Court on Wednesday 22 May 2024.
Moreover, Sergeant Klaas Mulungwa managed to secure a 15 years imprisonment metted out to another 28 year-old male accused for raping a six year-old child on 31 January 2019 at Mokgoloboto village.
The minor was at home with her cousin aged nine years together with the rapist believed to be an uncle of the victim.
The man who was also 19 years during the incident raped the victim in his bedroom and a nine year-old cousin found his uncle busy raping her and immediately informed his mother.
The rapist was in hiding until he was nabbed on 26 June 2019 and Sergeant Mulungwa left no stone unturned and ensured that a 28 year-old accused was never granted bail until handed a 15 year sentencing at the same court on 21 May 2024.
“I applaud the sterling investigative work that was executed by Sergeant Mulungwa who continue to rid out criminals who endanger the lives of vulnerable women and children in our society” said the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Investigating Officer, Sergeant Klaas Mulungwa.