With gender-based crimes being in the spotlight at the moment, the Tarlton Police are celebrating the successful conviction of two serial rapists and murderers.
The 58-year-old Lucas Modise Nyane and 61-year-old George Motale recently received 14 life sentences each in the South Gauteng High Court, for the robbery, rape and murder of six local women.
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https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/389356/hundreds-of-years-worth-of-sentences-for-west-rand-criminals/
The crimes took place in Tarlton and surrounding areas between 2011 and 2012, but the two men were quickly caught by the keen detective work of detective Constable Sibonelo Mkhize and the Tarlton Detective Branch commander, Captain Sam Nkhumane.
Nyane and Motal’s modus operandi was to look for beautiful young women between the ages of 23 and 38 who would be seeking employment. They would then tell the women that they had work for them and offer to escort them to the interviews.
They would board public transport with the women and take them to either Tarlton or the outskirts of Krugersdorp. They would then lead them through bushy areas and rob them. They then raped the women and later murdered them to ensure they would not be identified and caught.
One of the men also raped and tried to murder a 34-year-old woman, but she fought back, and got away. She immediately reported the incident to the police.
By this time, Constable Mkhize had a good idea of what was happening to these women and one of the victim’s family members told him that she remembered that the deceased had an appointment with Nyane.
More bodies were found, two in Krugersdorp and one in Randfontein, and on 5 July 2012, the two men were arrested. Constable Mkhize later also linked them to the crimes with the use of forensic evidence which ensured their conviction.
Nyane indicated in his confession that they did not intend to kill the victims, but that most of their victims knew them personally and they feared that they would get caught.
Sadly, while testifying in the trial, the surviving victim collapsed and later died.
“This outcome is indicative of the hard work of the investigating officer and specialised disciplines of the police, of whom I am extremely proud. Although lives were lost, the court has passed a most fitting sentence and this certainly sends out a strong message that ‘You do crime, you will definitely do time’,” said the West Rand District Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana.
In a statement, the Tarlton Police said that perpetrators of gender-based violence should not be allowed to have space to operate in in our societies. The statement said that such heartless people should be reported to the authorities so that they can be removed quickly.
“As a district, we are making a call on the community to participate in the various social movements against crime. I am proud of the detectives in our District who within two months were able to put numerous serial rapists and murderers in jail for over 1 840 years. Kagiso detective Captain Motsepe secured a conviction and sentence of 340 years and now 14 life sentences have been handed down. Let this be a lesson for all criminals,” said Kekana.
The Tarlton Police and the two detectives have some tips for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation:
• Listen to your intuition when you’re alone – Although you can never fully protect yourself from potential sexual assault, it is important that you avoid dangerous situations (walking alone from a pub, tavern or night club). Stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid isolated public areas.
• Reduce risk in social situations – Go to parties and social events with a group of friends and stay with the group. Do not leave your drink unattended. Do not accept lifts or drinks from strangers.
• Although it might sometimes be very difficult to verify some job offer information, it is always wise to do so before leaving for such offers, especially when they come from people who are not working themselves. Always tell a friend or family member of your movements and whereabouts, including who you are going to meet and for what reason, especially if you will be meeting the person for the first time. Even better – take someone with you to the interview.
• Be vigilant and do not think that just because people are dressed nicely they are not dangerous.
