Mamelodi resident sentenced for gang rape of 35-year-old man
Mokoena had previously fled from law enforcement, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest, and was eventually re-arrested on June 27, 2023 after being found serving another sentence in prison.
A 40 year-old man who fled from police in a bid to evade punishment was recently sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in the gang rape and kidnapping of another man from Mamelodi.
The convicted, Mpho Mokoena (40), was sentenced on April 4, while his accomplices remain at large.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said Mokoena was sentenced for the gang rape of a 35-year-old male victim and an additional three years for kidnapping by the Pretoria Regional Court.
“The court ruled that the sentences will run concurrently and further declared Mokoena unfit to possess a firearm. Mokoena and the victim, both from Mamelodi East, were acquaintances.”
Mahanjana said on December 9, 2014, at approximately 17:30, the victim was walking in Mamelodi when he encountered Mokoena, who was in a vehicle with accomplices.
“The group asked the victim for directions to a drinking spot, and he voluntarily got into the car. However, instead of heading to the location, they drove to a cemetery in Silverton.”
She said upon arrival, the perpetrators forcibly removed the victim from the vehicle, held him against it, and Mokoena proceeded to force himself on the victim, causing severe injuries. They then abandoned him at the scene.
She further said that the victim sought medical assistance at Mamelodi Hospital and reported the incident to police.
“Following an intensive police investigation, Mokoena was handed over to authorities by his mother. However, he was later released on bail.”
“The trial commenced in October 2017, and after the victim testified, proceedings were set to resume in February 2018.”
She said Mokoena, however, fled, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
He was eventually re-arrested on June 27, 2023 after being found already serving another sentence in prison.
“During sentencing, Mokoena, through his legal representative, pleaded for the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
“However, State Prosecutor Anton Burger urged the court to impose life imprisonment, emphasising the gravity of the crime, the common purpose with his accomplices, and Mokoena’s lack of remorse.”
Mahanjana added that Burger also argued that the gender of the victim should not influence sentencing, as minimum sentence legislation applies equally to all victims, regardless of gender.
Moreover, she said the court was made aware that Mokoena had four prior convictions for theft and one for drug possession.
“In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Mncube concurred with the state, highlighting that Mokoena exploited the trust of the victim, who had considered him a friend.”
She said the court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.
Mahanjana concluded that the NPA welcomes the sentence as it underscores the seriousness of the crime and reinforces the justice system’s commitment to protecting society from heinous acts.
“The NPA commends the court for ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable for his actions,” she said.
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