The Tumahole Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit has secured a conviction on a combined 20-year imprisonment sentence against 32-year-old Tshepo Kenneth Motaung for two separate rape cases involving victims aged 42 and 35.

The accused was linked to both cases through DNA evidence, police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani said.

In March 2019, a 42-year-old adult female was walking home from work when she was attacked and raped by an unknown man in an open field. The suspect fled the scene, leaving behind a condom that he had used. The item was properly packaged and submitted to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis.

In May 2019, a 35-year-old adult female was allegedly attacked and raped by an unknown man at night before he fled the scene. Both victims did not know their attacker. The suspect remained at large and was circulated for almost two years until he was arrested by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigation (SECI) Unit in connection with another rape matter.

A DNA report was retrieved and immediately linked Motaung to both Tumahole rape cases. He was arrested in connection with the two cases and pleaded guilty.

On Wednesday, August 19, the Parys Magistrate’s Court found Motaung guilty on both charges and sentenced him to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for each rape count, resulting in a combined sentence of 20 years imprisonment.

Rani said the successful investigation and conviction were made possible through the diligent efforts of the investigating officers, Sergeant C Fongoqa and Sergeant PW Modisenyane, attached to the Tumahole Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.