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· The Age
A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to two life terms in prison for repeatedly raping his 26-year-old former girlfriend at her home in Moletjie, Ga-Ramphela village, Limpopo.
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The rape sentence is among the harshest a South African court can impose.
The court sentenced him on Friday, 6 November, after finding him guilty.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the man appeared in court on numerous occasions and was not granted bail before being sentenced.
What happened in Moletjie
The man forced his way into the woman’s home in Ga-Ramphela village, Moletjie, near Polokwane.
He then dragged her into a room and raped her while her two minor children were present.
The following afternoon, while the children were at school, he raped her again multiple times.
Afterwards, she reported the attacks to police, which eventually led to the case going to trial.
Two life terms: What the police commissioner said
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers welcomed the sentence.
He also praised the work of the investigating officer, Vinolia Mudau.
“This double life sentence is a suitable punishment for such a cruel and degrading act committed in front of innocent children,” Scheepers said.
Children who witness violence
Experts warn that children who witness violence at home can suffer lasting psychological trauma.
The sentence comes ahead of the national 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which runs from 25 November to 10 December.
The case is one of several gender-based violence convictions handed down across the country in recent days.
Where to get help
Anyone affected by gender-based violence can get help 24 hours a day:
- GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428
- “Please call me”: dial *120*7867# for free to request a social worker
- SMS: send “Help” to 31531
- SAPS emergency: 10111
- Childline: 116
WHAT MORE CAN WE DO TO PROTECT WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THEIR OWN HOMES?
Let us know in the comments below …