By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Lehurutshe Regional Court has sentenced Tshiamo Godfrey Mmale (19), to life imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl.
He was sentenced to a further 12 months imprisonment for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
The court ordered for the sentences to run concurrently.
According to NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, Mmale’s conviction emanates from an incident that occurred on 16 October 2011 at Dinokana village, near Zeerust, whereat the girl got permission from her mother to go and do her hair.
“On her way back, she was confronted by the accused, who forcefully dragged her to his place and assaulted her with open hands.
“On arrival at his place, he threatened her with a knife and proceeded to rape her before letting her go,” said Mamothame.
Mmale was arrested the following day, but the matter was provisionally struck off the roll to await the DNA test results, as he denied having any sexual intercourse with the girl.
Mamothame said the matter was re-enrolled in November 2015 after the DNA test results came back positive, at which point the accused changed his version of the story, saying he had consensual sexual intercourse with her.
“In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor, Botsang Phawe, indicated to the court that the fact that the complainant recalled the events of the traumatic day, 4 years after they unfolded, indicates that the traumatic experience will remain with her forever.
“He urged the court to not deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, as there were no compelling circumstances to do so.”
Magistrate Stefan Du Toit agreed with the state and imposed a sentence that fits the offence.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor and the investigating officer, and acknowledged the important role of the Thuthuzela Care Centre in assisting the girl to bring the perpetrator to book.
