Today justice prevailed when 38 year old Frans Olifant was sentenced to an effective 36 years imprisonment on charges relating to the disappearance of a 15 year old girl and a variety of other offences ranging from assault common to kidnapping and rape.
A little over a year ago, a 15 year old Kimberley Girl’s High School learner, Rehana Moshoeshoe, went missing.
On 21 February 2010, Rehana was last seen by her mother when she left home to meet friends in town. When she did not return her family became concerned and immediately notified police. An extensive search was launched; however Rehana was never found and to this day is still missing.
An integrated task team comprising of the Hawks, Kagisho Detectives and the Kimberley K9 Search and Rescue Unit launched a full scale investigation and an extensive search for the missing girl. Even sewerage pipes and drainage systems in the area surrounding the place where she was last seen were thoroughly searched as part of the investigation.
On 26 February 2010, 38 year old Frans Olifant was arrested in connection with her disappearance. Circumstantial evidence led to his arrest in Lichtenburg where he was working for a furniture removal company. During the investigation, it came to light that Olifant had assaulted and raped women with whom he was previously involved. He also burnt down the home of one of his ex-girlfriends. Further investigations led to incidents of theft whilst he was employed at the furniture removal company.
On 1 February 2011 his trial commenced in the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley. Northern Cape High Court Judge Frans Kgomo presided over the trial.
Olifant was convicted on eight of the ten charges against him. On 10 May 2011 he was sentenced to 36 years imprisonment in the Northern Cape High Court. The hefty sentence was welcomed by the task team, family members and the community members.
Charge 1: Assault Common: six months imprisonment
Charge 3: Rape: 15 years imprisonment
Charge 5: Assault GBH: 18 months imprisonment
Charge 6: Arson: 5 years imprisonment
Charge 7: Attempted murder : 6 years imprisonment
Charge 8: Theft: 2 years imprisonment
Charge 9: Kidnapping: 15 years imprisonment
Charge 10: Attempted Assault GBH: 6 months imprisonment
Charges 1, 5, 6, 8 and 10 will run concurrently. He will be serving 36 years imprisonment.
The search for Rehana Moshoeshoe, which is a national issue and not confined to the Northern Cape, will continue and the task team has vowed not to rest until her whereabouts or fate are revealed so that her family can get closure. The police have compiled a DNA profile of the missing girl and will continue to follow up on information received and appeal to the public to continue with their support and assist in the ongoing search. Any information can be forwarded to Crime Stop 08600 10111.
The National Commissioner, General Bheki Cele, on being advised of the sentence, congratulated all police members, as well as the Dept of Justice, on a job well done. “The tenacity of the task team in tracking down this habitual criminal serves as a reminder to those who harm women and children that the police will not rest until they are brought to justice. This man now has 36 years during which to reflect on his heinous crimes,” said General Cele.
Enquiries:
Lt Col Mashay Gamieldien
Cell: 082 555 1800
Captain Cherelle Ehlers
Cell: 082 448 5179
