The Thabamoopo Regional Court in Limpopo has handed down a life imprisonment sentence to 40-year-old Moganedi Sello Koos. Koos was convicted on charges of rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The sentencing took place on Tuesday following his arrest for the rape of a 16-year-old girl on April 16, 2017, in Magatle village.
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The horrific incident occurred at approximately 4am, as confirmed by Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the spokesperson for the Limpopo provincial police.
The court proceedings revealed that the teenage girl was home alone at the time, while her mother had gone to the cemetery to attend a candlelight vigil.
“The accused (Koos), who happened to be her mother’s boyfriend, forcefully broke into the victim’s house and threatened the victim to comply or he would stab her with the knife. He then ordered the girl to undress and he raped her,” said Mashaba.
Afterwards, he robbed the teenager of two cellphones and fled the scene.
“The incident was reported to the police, who opened cases of rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances,” said Mashaba.
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“The case was sent to the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit in Mokopane for further investigation. Sergeant Mogale Billy was tasked to investigate the case further.”
The severity of Koos’ crimes is reflected in the sentencing, as he will now spend the rest of his life behind bars. This landmark decision sends a strong message to potential criminals and serves as a reminder that the South African justice system will not tolerate such heinous acts.
In June 2020, police said Koos was linked to the heinous crime through DNA, and he was arrested.
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“The investigating officer managed to oppose bail until the accused was found guilty,” said Mashaba.
“The accused was convicted and sentenced on the following charges – count one of rape, Koos was sentenced to life imprisonment; and on count two, of robbery with aggravating circumstances, he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.”
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