Rapists brought to book thanks to brave victim
As he was dragging her into the deeper part of the bushes, two other men emerged and joined in.
The bravery of a victim from Waterworks led to the successful conviction of her rapists, who took turns raping her two years ago.
This is according to Bekkersdal Police spokesperson Sergeant Linkie Lefakane who said that by then, the victim was 20 years old.
The incident happened on July 21, 2021, in the bushes between N12 and the old Waterworks.
Also read: Manhunt launched for suspect in 38-year-old woman’s rape
“The victim was walking towards Protea Glen intending to take a taxi to Green Village when she was accosted by the first accused. He allegedly walked past the victim and suddenly made a turn. He threatened her with a firearm, grabbed her by hand, and in the process she lost her handbag. As he was dragging her into the deeper part of the bushes, two other males emerged and joined in.
”This is when he started searching for the victim demanding her cellphone. The victim told him that it must have fallen during the commotion. She asked the accused to call her cellphone but instead of providing her cellphone number, she gave him her ex-boyfriend’s number and when he realised that someone else answered the phone, he immediately disconnected, little did he know his cover was already blown.
Also read: Police campaign highlights rape and hijackings on N12
“He became furious and assaulted the victim with open hands and demanded the correct cellphone number, she gave him her number, and he called and was able to locate the cellphone,
“He then started undressing the victim and raped her before handing her to his two friends who also took turns in raping her before releasing her,” said Sergeant Lefakane who added that the victim was later rescued by a motorist and contacted the ex-boyfriend who took her to the police.
The main accused identified as 33-year-old Julious Molumo is also from Waterworks and was traced and arrested by members of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) at his place of residence on July 18, 2021.
The suspect then led the investigators to his accomplice Herbert Mokoena. The two remained in custody until they were found guilty by the Johannesburg High Court on March 22 this year.
“The dedication, selflessness, and the courage to take initiative, hard work, and the eagerness for justice paid off when Detective Constable Rudzani Mushoma secure a jail term for the pair on 24 March 2023,” said Sergeant Lefakane.
Accused 1 Julious Molumo was sentenced as follows:
• Count 1 rape life imprisonment
• Count 2 robbery 15 years imprisonment
• Count 3 for pointing of firearm 4 years
• Count 4 under the Immigration Act for 12 months imprisonment
Accused 2 Herbert Mokoena was acquitted on the rape and robbery charges but sentenced to 12 months imprisonment under the Immigration Act.
The third suspect, however, is still on the run.
The Station Commander Colonel Phumelele Matamela commended the team who ensured that the case received attention and applauded the Investigating Officer for serving the community with diligence and for removing the rapist from the community for life.
