Rustenburg - Five gang members were sentenced to a combined total of 16 life sentences and 110 years imprisonment by the North Gauteng High Court sitting in Klerksdorp on Friday, North West police said.
"The accused, aged between 20 and 30, who cannot be named to protect [the] identity of a minor victim, gang raped a mother and her three daughters on Saturday, 22 August 2015 in Jouberton," said Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone.
"It was reported at the time of the incident that they kicked the door and gained entrance into the house where they found a 50-year-old mother asleep with her children. The mother managed to see that the accused were armed with knives. The accused then ordered her to undress and one of them raped her. She was taken to the bedroom where the accused gang raped her together with her three daughters including a six-year-old minor."
The incident occurred in front of her two sons who were threatened with knives.
They left after taking household goods including cosmetics, clothes and a cell phone to the value of R6000.
"The matter was reported to the police who worked hard and arrested the first three accused and charged them for house robbery and rape. It was revealed during the investigation that the suspects were members of a gang known as Dog For Money."
They were also linked with a case of theft in Extension 14 after stealing a school bag and a pair of shoes belonging to a learner.
North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane welcomed the sentence. She said the conviction would send a clear message that the police would ensure that merciless criminals particularly those who commit crimes against women and children, get long jail terms.