Soshanguve serial rapist sentenced to 25 years in jail
A repeat offender already serving a life sentence for murder will spend an extra 25 years behind bars after the Pretoria North Magistrate's Court handed down his sentence for a 2018 attack.
A repeat sexual offender serving a life sentence for murder has been sentenced to an effective 25 years’ direct imprisonment by the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court for a 2018 armed rape in Soshanguve.
Tshepo Frans Kekana was convicted of rape and pointing a firearm following an incident on December 9, 2018, when he attacked a woman walking home.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Kekana confronted the woman at gunpoint and demanded her possessions before forcing her into an open veld and raping her.
The victim immediately reported the incident to police.
Following investigations, the rape charge was added in March after Kekana was already in custody for an unrelated matter.
NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Kekana pleaded guilty but asked the court for a sentence below the prescribed minimum.
“In mitigation of sentence, he requested the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence, arguing that his guilty plea demonstrated remorse and had spared the court’s time,” said Mahanjana.
State prosecutor Setuma Mashabathakga opposed the request, arguing that the guilty plea did not show genuine remorse, but was driven by overwhelming evidence.
The prosecution highlighted Kekana’s history, noting this was his third rape conviction and that he was already serving a life sentence for murder.
Mashabathakga argued that he posed a serious threat to society and that the victim would carry lasting trauma.
Mahanjana said: “The magistrate agreed with the State’s submissions, noting the seriousness and prevalence of rape in South Africa, the accused’s extensive criminal record and the need to protect society from repeat offenders.”
Finding no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of 20 years, the court added five years, imposing a total of 25 years’ direct imprisonment.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@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 or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel
