The Naphuno Regional Court outside Tzaneen has on Friday sentenced Masilo Phillip Maenetja to a life imprisonment after he was found guilty of raping a five-year-old girl in Lephephane, Maake almost three years ago.
The 28-year-old from the same area, who was also handed a five-year jail term for kidnapping, grabbed the girl from the gate of her home, threatened her before forcefully dragging her to his house where he raped her for the whole night. After her release the child spoke of her ordeal and case was opened and with swift investigations the rapist was arrested.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Benny Ntlemeza has sung praises for Detective Constable Charlotte Thuketana whose investigative skills ensured that Maenetja was removed from society for good. He said the people must appreciate when the police achieve lengthy sentences.
“We appreciate the work done by the court and our dedicated investigating officer. A life sentence and five years is the kind of sentences we strive for as police on cases of this nature and we want to acknowledge the job done by our detective. She deserves a pat in the back for putting out all stops to achieve this hefty sentence”, said Ntlemeza.
Enquiries:
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