Hammanskraal serial rapist sentenced to 191 years imprisonment
"One of the victims was 5 months pregnant when she was repeatedly raped by Nokeri."
Temba Regional Court sentenced Hammanskraal serial rapist Johannes Nokeri to five life terms, a combined 191 years for rape and other offences on Friday.
Nokeri was found guilty on 18 counts of rape, 23 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, theft of a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
NPA Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said Nokeri’s crime spree was from 2012 to 2017 in areas around Hammanskraal and Temba.
Mamothame said Nokeri mostly targeted unsuspecting women who travelled from taverns at night in the early hours of the morning. He robbed them of money, cellphones and clothing before raping some of them.
“One of the victims was five months pregnant when she was repeatedly raped by Nokeri. He was eventually arrested after five years, on July 16, 2017, when he was found in possession of a stolen vehicle that the owner had reported to the police and the tracking company a day before his arrest.
“Six live rounds of ammunition were also found in his possession.”
ALSO READ: Robber shot during Centurion robbery
During court proceedings, it emerged that in some of these offences, he was accompanied by an unknown individual.
“Nokeri was previously afforded three Legal Aid attorneys and one private attorney sourced by Legal Aid but he fired them and opted to represent himself throughout the trial.
“In committing these crimes, it was established that he applied the same modus operandi, by threatening his victims with violence if they failed to abide by his orders.
“In some of the rape charges, the state relied on DNA results that linked him to the commissioning of these offences. Two of the victims testified in court and alluded to Nokeri’s aggressive behaviour when he raped and robbed them.”
Mamothame said Nokeri has two previous convictions, two charges of rape and one of robbery.
“He was sentenced to ten years imprisonment of which he has now served three years.
“In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Mashudu Muliwa urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and to further consider the victim impact statements, which depicts the suffering and the eroded dignity of the victims on the hands of Nokeri. He also raised concern about Nokeri’ s remorseless behaviour.”
ALSO READ: Parents worry after eight girls raped in Hammanskraal in a month
He said Judge Shane Kgoele shared the same sentiments by the state and of him as an individual who has no respect for women.
“She further alluded to the responsibility that the court has in protecting communities against the likes of Nokeri. She referred to the conviction as a way of sending a strong message to perpetrators of such crimes.
“The accused applied for leave to appeal the conviction and sentencing and the court granted him a hearing.
“He however later withdrew it and indicated that he will submit a written application after receiving court transcripts.”
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo, welcomed the conviction and lauded Advocate Mashudu Muliwa and Sergeant Moloantoa Rapakgadi for a collaborative effort that resulted in a successful conviction.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
