A 21 year old man, who repeatedly raped a 17 year old girl from Ga Mothapo and then killed a man while he was trying to save the girl, received a harsh sentence during his last court appearance in the Polokwane High Court on Tuesday afternoon.
On 2 April 2010, Joseph Billy Senamela, from the same village, kidnapped the then 17 year old girl at knifepoint and forced her to his home. A samaritan, who tried to intervene in an attempt to save the girl was stabbed to death.
The Polokwane High Court sentenced the suspect to a total of 44 years imprisonment.
On the same day, 29 year old Elias Kgashane was appearing in the Mankweng Regional Court for the rape of a 16 year old girl at Ga Makgoba, Mankweng on 30 June 2010. He was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
The Management of the South African Police Service in Limpopo expressed their satisfaction with the harsh sentences handed down to the culprits and said that they hope it will prove to would be rapists that the Police in the province are following an zero tolerance approach to suspect who prey on defenceless women and children.
Enquiries:
Ronel Otto
Cell: 082 451 7176
Police and Courts show zero tolerance as rapist is sentenced to 44 years
