By Mr Lee Tonic
news@alexreporter.co.za
Dzanani Regional Court has on Tuesday 19 November 2024 sentenced Lucky Chauke (48) to life imprisonment for raping a minor child at Ha Matsa village.
The court heard that on 07 December 2021, the victim’s mother witnessed the accused, who was a family friend, giving her child money (R20), and then she asked the victim what was the money for.
The victim informed the mother that the money provided was for silencing her, not to tell anyone that the accused raped her on 05 December 2021 at Matsa village.
After receiving the news, the mother reported the incident to the police on the 07 December 2021.
The police opened a case of rape, and the docket was transferred to Makhado FCS, and Warrant Officer Samuel Thovhakale was tasked with the investigation.
The hospital experts confirmed that the victim was sexually assaulted.
The suspect was traced and arrested on 16 December 2021.
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentences and applauded the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Samuel Thovhakale, for ensuring that the accused is sentenced to life imprisonment for this horrendous crime.
“This sentence serves to send a stern message that our courts will not spare those who commit acts of brutality against children,” commented General Hadebe.
