Limpopo serial rapist sentenced to 57 years imprisonment

The Limpopo Polokwane High Court has convicted and sentenced serial rapist Lucky Mashatola (30), of Kgapane Sethone village to 57 years imprisonment.

Mashatola was convicted for attempted rape, three counts of rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and housebreaking with intent to commit an offence.

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During the trial, he pleaded not guilty to all the counts. The court heard that between February 2018, and December 2021, the accused threatened two victims with a knife. He demanded to have sexual intercourse with them. The other victim was sleeping alone in her house when the accused broke in and raped her. He further took the cellphone of the other victim.

In aggravation of the sentence, the state Adv. Sewela Rangwato submitted that rape does not only violate the victim’s privacy and personal integrity. However, but it also leaves a serious psychological and physical impact. She further said that women should walk freely on the streets, and do their shopping without fear of being victimised. The Prosecutor further said that there are no substantial or compelling circumstances for the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

SERIAL RAPIST SENTENCED

In sentencing, Judge George Phathudi remarked that the accused lacked remorse. The victims’ right of movement was violated and the accused used objects to threaten them.

The court said that women and children are raped and killed every day in the country. That should come to an end and further ordered the sentence to run concurrently.