Rapist receives two life sentences after DNA link
A man was caught and received two life sentences on 12 December after DNA evidence linked him to two rape cases.
The investigating officer, FCS Det, Sgt Auldah Vukey proved to the court that, on June 11 2022, the accused raped and impregnated his stepdaughter aged 16 at their house in Mokhwati village in the Tzaneen policing area. The victim informed her mother about the ordeal, she then reported the matter to the police, and a rape case was opened.
During the investigation, it was DNA evidence that linked him to another rape, of a four-year-old girl in July 2014 at Shawela village. The victim was raped by the accused while she went to play with her friends. She returned home and complained about discomfort. Her mother took her to the local clinic, and it was revealed that the girl had been raped.
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Both cases of rape were transferred to Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, and Vukeya was assigned for further investigation. Her meticulous investigation skills linked the accused to both rape cases. The accused was then arrested on June 13 2022. Bailed was denied, and the suspect was found guilty and sentenced by the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court to two life terms in prison without an option of a fine.
The provincial commissioner of Limpopo, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has praised the hardworking FCS detective for securing the two lifetime imprisonment sentences, handed down to the 43-year-old man. “We cannot expunge the unfortunate incidents against the victims, but we do ensure that justice is well served to the victims. It does not matter who is the perpetrator, let us report any criminality to the police,” said Hadebe.
