Johannesburg - Gender-based violence (GBV) has reared its ugly head once again, but this time there have been serious consequences for two men whose unthinkable brutality resulted in heavy prison sentences.
In the North West Division of the High Court, Bafana Johannes Mans, 26, received three life terms for the kidnapping, double rape and murder of four-year-old Tshimologo Lotshabeng.
“The convict was apprehended at his residential place in Jan Kempdorp in the Northern Cape, after the lifeless and naked body of Tshimologo was found in the bushes at Kgomotso village, near Taung on Sunday, May 16, 2021.
“According to evidence presented before the court, Mans was a colleague and one of the people who accompanied Tshimologo’s mother from a tavern to her friend’s house,” a SAPS statement said.
SAPS said that Mans waited until the mother fell asleep, then kidnapped the child and took her to the nearby bushes where he raped and killed her.
“He was denied bail upon his first court appearance on Monday, May 24, 2021. As a result, has been in custody since his arrest,” read the statement.
North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolaleo lauded the collaboration between the SAPS and the NPA in bringing the perpetrator to book.
Makhari-Sekhaolaleo said this illustrates the advocacy by the criminal justice system in dealing with those who act against the protection of women, children and the elderly.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the investigating officer, Colonel Kgosi Dihemo and the prosecutor, advocate Xolisile Philisane, as well as other role players for their tireless and joint efforts that led to the conviction.
He said this conviction would serve as a deterrent to those who violate and take the lives of women and children.
Meanwhile, in Burgersfort in Limpopo, David Matjila, 45, was sentenced on Monday to two life sentences for a double murder.
The sentence was welcomed by SAPS in Limpopo.
Police said that in August last year, Matjila arrived at Apiesdoring in the Burgersfort policing area where his 34-year-old girlfriend, Farina Mahlake and her two-year-old son, Kgoitsione were both asleep. Matjila stabbed the mother and child several times with a knife, killing them instantly.
“He then covered the deceased with a blanket and slept next to them. The following day, the accused fled the scene after a concerned resident alerted the police,” said SAPS.
Matjila was arrested on the same day while travelling in a taxi to Hammanskraal, Gauteng.
A woman Sergeant, Thelma Mokwena investigated the case and she is part of Burgersfort detective branch.
Mokwena successfully opposed bail when the accused appeared before the Praktiseer Magistrate's Court.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant Thembi Hadebe praised Mokwena and other role players who ensured the cruel and heartless criminal is removed from society permanently.
Hadebe said she hopes the sentences will bring comfort and justice to everyone affected.